This Friday (Feb 20th), the Court of Justice of the State of Tocantins (TJTO) reinforces the actions of the National Day to Combat Drugs and Alcoholism with a special podcast produced by the Health Space. The program, available on the YouTube of the Superior School of the Judges of the State of Tocantins (ESMAT), provides expert guidance on the risks of substance abuse and the forms of reception available to magistrates, civil servers, trainees and collaborators of the Judiciary of the state of Tocantins.
The podcast is conducted by the coordinator of the Health Space, Cardiologist Elaine Cristina Ferreira, with the participation of the doctor of the Psychosocial Support Center (NAPsi), Psychiatrist Wordney Carvalho Camarço, who discuss the impact of these substances on health and professional life. The complete podcast can be accessed on the Esmat channel.
During the chat, experts debated the "invisible" dangers of alcohol, among them the false perception of safety in the "safe" consumption of the substance. Wordney clarified that current studies have broken the myth that a glass of wine is good for the heart, by pointing out that alcohol can cause immediate cardiac arrhythmias and progress to heart failure. "There is no safe amount of alcohol," the psychiatrist emphasizes.
Brain damage from chronic use is pointed out by experts as a direct risk factor for dementia, even the so-called "alcoholic dementia", a condition that manifests itself in severe behavioral and aggression changes due to direct toxicity in the brain. Another highlight in the chat is the fact that alcohol acts as a "trigger" for the use of other drugs by reducing the critical ability and self-control of the individual.
The podcast also reveals a change in female profile and vulnerability. As discussed by the experts, there was a rise in alcoholism among women, while rates among men remained stable. According to the psychiatrist, the pathological use among the female public has tripled in recent years, while the health system still lacks specific structures for the reception and treatment of women alcoholics.
Where to seek help
The Court of Justice of the State of Tocantins maintains a discreet and professional structure to welcome those who need support. The Psychosocial Support Center (NAPsi), located in the Florence Building (next to General Internal Affairs of Justice), operates in a secluded environment to ensure privacy. The team includes psychologists, social workers and psychiatrists, and the Health Center (Cesau), which acts in reception, screening and referral of cases to the care network.
The recommendation of the doctors is that the first step be taken as soon as possible. "If you don’t have the strength to go alone, ask a colleague or family member. We are here to help taking the next steps", concluded Wordney Camarço.
