The Alcoholic Has Become Healthcare's 'B-Person.' This Is Problematic and Deeply Shameful
Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Alcoholism is described as a problematic and shameful "B-person" within Denmark's healthcare system.
- The article criticizes the societal acceptance of alcoholics essentially committing suicide.
- It calls for a change in how the healthcare system and society address alcoholism.
Alcoholism is being treated as a neglected issue within Denmark's healthcare system, a situation described as both problematic and deeply shameful. The article argues that while society condemns direct suicide, it passively accepts the self-destructive path of alcoholics.
This passive acceptance is framed as a form of indirect suicide, where individuals struggling with addiction are allowed to deteriorate without adequate intervention. The piece suggests that the healthcare system has failed to prioritize or effectively address the needs of this vulnerable group, labeling them as "B-people" โ those who are not given the same urgency or resources as others.
The author expresses strong disapproval of this societal stance, emphasizing that in Denmark, the well-being of all citizens should be a priority. The article implicitly calls for a fundamental shift in approach, urging for more comprehensive support, treatment, and societal understanding for individuals battling alcoholism.
I Danmark kan vi ikke acceptere, at vores medborgere, vores medmennesker, begรฅr selvmord. Hverken direkte eller indirekte. Men รฉn mรฅlgruppe tillader vi at begรฅ selvmord som den stรธrste selvfรธlgelighed. Alkoholikeren. B-mennesket.
Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.