Belize faces a mounting public health emergency as new data reveals the nation ranks among the highest per-capita alcohol consumers in the Western Hemisphere. Beyond cultural celebrations, excessive drinking has evolved into a destructive pattern fueling addiction, non-communicable diseases, and domestic violence across the Central American nation.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness convened a critical stakeholder forum this week to address the alarming trends. Medical experts presented disturbing findings indicating children are typically introduced to alcohol before age ten, with habitual drinking patterns solidifying during teenage years.
Recovering addict Lee Henkis provided a harrowing firsthand account, tracing his substance abuse journey to childhood exposure. “My stepfather had me light cigarettes and clean marijuana for him under the house,” Henkis revealed. “It affected my life greatly—I lost educational opportunities, family trust, and ultimately myself.”
The accessibility and affordability of alcohol, particularly potent illicit varieties known locally as “badman” or “fire water,” exacerbate the crisis. Felicia Hill of Remar Belize addiction recovery center emphasized, “The cheap alcohol is very accessible. People need to realize the damage it causes to health and mentality.”
Dr. Lila Estephan, Non-Communicable Disease Coordinator for Belize’s health ministry, framed alcoholism as a medical condition rather than moral failing. “Alcoholism is a disease, an addiction—we cannot blame the consumer,” she stated.
Henkis, now sober for two-and-a-half years through Remar Belize’s program, represents hope for recovery. The nonprofit organization, operational since the 1990s, continues helping Belizeans overcome dependency while advocating for stricter enforcement of age verification laws and public awareness campaigns.