'Twisted Wine' returns to Gibraltar by popular acclaim

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We wrote about the last time this book was presented in Gibraltar, and gave a description of it. It proved so popular and so useful, that the author of Vino Torcido, Joaquín Santaella, has been asked to return. The latest venue is at the Leisure Centre at King's Bastion (next to the cinema), on Wednesday, May 25, at 7pm. Entrance is free for a chat by Joaquín that will be in Spanish, with a Q&A session afterwards in English. The modest author says he will do the best he can, and in any case Joe Caruana will be there to help.

Young increasingly seek help from Alcoholics Anonymous

SPAIN (Agencies) The Spanish chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous has detected an increase in the number of young people who come to the organization for help. What AA is not aware of, however, is that the economic crisis is having any effect on the number of cases of alcholism as it does not carry out surveys or follow-ups, as a matter of its principle of anonymity. So, at any rate, said Primitivo Cachero, President of the Board of Alcholocs Anonymous in Spain, at the start of the organization's 32nd General Service Convention held tis year in Oviedo, Asturias last month. The convention, which is presented under the banner of AA's 75th anniversary, brought together over fifty representatives of the 24 areas that make up the fellowship in this country and has its national headquarters in Avilés.>

'Twisted Wine' to be presented at Instituto Cervantes in Gibraltar

Vino Torcido can be translated as 'Twisted Wine' or 'It Came/Arrived Twisted'. It is also a term used in the wine trade to describe one that is unpleasant and cloudy. In any case, this book, in its sixth edition, tells the story of Joaquín Santaella, or, as it says in a blurb: "Alcoholism is undoubtedly one of society’s biggest problems. As such, it is dramatic. Within this drama there are people and also a story. Such as the one which is told in this book, which is both a diary and a fable; just like the life of its author. It is set in a rehabilitation centre where the interns and their carers share a harsh life; Joaquín Santaella sweetens the pill with his subtle irony and lively narrative." The book is being presented at the Instituto Cervantes in Gibraltar on May 12 at 7pm, by Álvaro Álvarez, psychologist and Director of the Montenegral Therapeutic Community (San Martín del Tesorillo, Campo de Gibraltar). Both presentation and book are in Spanish, but then, the Instituto is the best place to learn it.

Cádiz Consumers Union asks for more vigilance over underage drinking

CÁDIZ (Press release) With the Carnival season very much upon us, the Cádiz Consumers Union (Unión de Consumidores de Cádiz) has launched a campaign aimed at better control over the sale of alcohol to minors. It is, says the campaign, up to local administrations (i.e. police and security forces) to improve their methods. The sale of alcohol to anyone under the age of 18, but there appears to be nothing to stop someone over that age purchasing drinks for under age mates. In many if not all places, however, it is also forbidden to drink alcohol in the street other than at specified places - but this is rarely enforced. The Consumers Union asks that the laws be enforced and if they are broken, they be denounced immediately.

'Alcohol More Harmful Than Heroin, Cocaine or Ecstasy' - is this news?

The Alexander Bewick Soap Box sports an article about the headline that is catching the attention all over the world (above). "One of the main facts about alcohol is that it is a disinhibitor. In other words, it lowers one's inhibitions. How do we otherwise explain that relaxed feeling after a couple of drinks - and, usually some time later, that feeling oh-so-sick, not to mention those dreadful hangovers? How can we otherwise explain the fact of so many otherwise sensible young people getting pregnant after 'a night out'? How do we otherwise explain the words I have heard so many times: "Oh, I began drinking at (say) thirteen, and then it was hash and later other stuff, at parties..."?" says the article. It also asks, "Should Professor Nutt's study lead to a new prohibition? What do you think?"