Interview for FocusOn: About alcohol and addictions

Jana Malinovská
6.6.2025

An interview was recently published on the FocusOn website, in which I had the opportunity to discuss the issue of alcohol and the use of other addictive substances in Czech society. The topic focused, among other things, on how much beer and wine is still okay and when consumption starts to become risky. In the interview, I explained what the recommended limits are for safe alcohol consumption and why it is important to monitor not only the amount but also the frequency of consumption. At the same time, we also discussed how alcohol affects our health and why it is important to talk openly about these issues.

In addition, we discussed other important topics in the interview:

  • How alcohol affects the brain and why quitting is so difficult- we explained how alcohol changes brain processes and why an addiction develops that is difficult to overcome.
  • Why is it not possible to reduce overall alcohol consumption in the Czech Republic- we discussed the cultural and social factors that maintain a high level of alcohol consumption in the population.
  • How the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in addictions– we analyzed how the period of isolation and stress led to higher consumption of alcohol and other addictive substances.
  • What other substances are currently trending among young people- we also looked at new trends in substance use among the young generation.

You can listen to the entire interview on the FocusOn.cz website.

MUDr. Bc.Jana Malinovská, Ph.D.

I have been working in the field of addiction counselling for more than 10 years. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Addictology from the First Faculty of Medicine and a degree in General Medicine from the Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University. In my research, I focus on preventive medicine and epidemiology.

In my work with clients, I combine evidence-based knowledge with a holistic approach to mental health. My medical background enables me to understand the broader clinical context and to better support each client’s individual needs.