Taiwan No Alcohol Day: MOHW Urges Alcohol Addiction Treatment; Family Consultations Account for Nearly 50%
On 'Taiwan No Alcohol Day,' coinciding with Mother's Day, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) reminds the public that nearly 50% of alcohol addiction consultations come from family members, highlighting the impact on families. MOHW stresses that 'alcohol addiction is treatable' and offers a subsidy of up to NT$40,000 annually for treatment.
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- 📰 Published: May 9, 2026 at 12:53
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Central News Agency (Taipei, May 9th) – Today is Taiwan's No Alcohol Day, coinciding with many Mother's Day celebrations. The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) reminds that 49% of those consulting about alcohol addiction issues are family members, indicating that drinking problems often impact families. MOHW emphasizes that 'alcohol addiction is treatable,' and even emotional distress like depression can be alleviated, urging timely help-seeking.
Drowning sorrows in alcohol only deepens them. A man in Taipei, nearly 40 years old, originally had sleep problems, initially only using a small drink to aid sleep, which did not significantly affect his life. However, after experiencing a divorce, his alcohol consumption gradually increased, leading to a disrupted routine, declining work performance, and ultimately job loss, causing his mother great concern. The hangovers and emotional lows caused by drinking made it even harder for her son to return to a stable life.
The MOHW's Department of Mental Health today shared this case through a press release, reminding of the impact of drinking on family and mental health. Director Chen Bo-Xi pointed out that when drinking becomes a way to cope with stress, it often exacerbates existing difficulties, further affecting personal physical and mental health and family interactions.
To help people with alcohol addiction problems receive early treatment and reduce the financial burden of treatment, Chen Bo-Xi stated that MOHW continues to promote a national alcohol addiction treatment subsidy program, with a maximum subsidy of NT$40,000 per person per year. This includes outpatient consultations, medication, psychotherapy, family therapy, and other medical procedures.
MOHW statistics show that in 2025, over 4,000 cases benefited. Chen Bo-Xi emphasized that according to data from the Taiwan Alcoholism Treatment and Prevention Center, 49% of those consulting about alcohol addiction issues are family members, with 'alcohol reduction medical resources' being the most common request for help.
Furthermore, results from MOHW's past in-depth projects show that after receiving treatment, nearly 90% of cases experienced a decrease in drinking frequency or amount, and once alcohol consumption stopped, emotional distress such as depression and anxiety was alleviated.
'Alcohol addiction is treatable, and family support and companionship are important aids in the process of reducing or quitting alcohol,' Chen Bo-Xi suggested. Families can approach the issue from a lifestyle perspective, such as showing concern for sleep, emotions, and daily functional status, avoiding excessive blame or confrontational communication, and encouraging individuals with drinking problems to seek professional assessment and assistance to enhance motivation for change and intervention effectiveness.
MOHW stated that the 'Taiwan Alcoholism Treatment and Prevention Center' has a toll-free consultation hotline 0800-255959 (Love Me, No Alcohol, No Alcohol), which has served 2,376 people since its establishment and referred 244 people for alcohol addiction treatment. People with alcohol cessation needs are welcome to use it during service hours (Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM). (Editor: Li Heng-Shan) 1150509
Drowning sorrows in alcohol only deepens them. A man in Taipei, nearly 40 years old, originally had sleep problems, initially only using a small drink to aid sleep, which did not significantly affect his life. However, after experiencing a divorce, his alcohol consumption gradually increased, leading to a disrupted routine, declining work performance, and ultimately job loss, causing his mother great concern. The hangovers and emotional lows caused by drinking made it even harder for her son to return to a stable life.
The MOHW's Department of Mental Health today shared this case through a press release, reminding of the impact of drinking on family and mental health. Director Chen Bo-Xi pointed out that when drinking becomes a way to cope with stress, it often exacerbates existing difficulties, further affecting personal physical and mental health and family interactions.
To help people with alcohol addiction problems receive early treatment and reduce the financial burden of treatment, Chen Bo-Xi stated that MOHW continues to promote a national alcohol addiction treatment subsidy program, with a maximum subsidy of NT$40,000 per person per year. This includes outpatient consultations, medication, psychotherapy, family therapy, and other medical procedures.
MOHW statistics show that in 2025, over 4,000 cases benefited. Chen Bo-Xi emphasized that according to data from the Taiwan Alcoholism Treatment and Prevention Center, 49% of those consulting about alcohol addiction issues are family members, with 'alcohol reduction medical resources' being the most common request for help.
Furthermore, results from MOHW's past in-depth projects show that after receiving treatment, nearly 90% of cases experienced a decrease in drinking frequency or amount, and once alcohol consumption stopped, emotional distress such as depression and anxiety was alleviated.
'Alcohol addiction is treatable, and family support and companionship are important aids in the process of reducing or quitting alcohol,' Chen Bo-Xi suggested. Families can approach the issue from a lifestyle perspective, such as showing concern for sleep, emotions, and daily functional status, avoiding excessive blame or confrontational communication, and encouraging individuals with drinking problems to seek professional assessment and assistance to enhance motivation for change and intervention effectiveness.
MOHW stated that the 'Taiwan Alcoholism Treatment and Prevention Center' has a toll-free consultation hotline 0800-255959 (Love Me, No Alcohol, No Alcohol), which has served 2,376 people since its establishment and referred 244 people for alcohol addiction treatment. People with alcohol cessation needs are welcome to use it during service hours (Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM). (Editor: Li Heng-Shan) 1150509