In modern society, the media play an important role in shaping public opinion on various social issues, including addiction. Alcoholism is a special case, as despite its prevalence, it remains a taboo subject. This thesis analyzes media reporting on alcoholism on Slovenian online news portals rtvslo.si, 24ur.com, and siol.net. It explores how these media contribute to the stigmatization or destigmatization of this phenomenon. A qualitative analysis of the content showed that topics such as alcoholism as a family problem, alcoholism as a public health issue, hidden drinking during the epidemic, the psychological impact of alcoholism on children, and the possibility of support in dealing with alcoholism. In most articles, alcoholism was presented primarily as a health and social problem; the moral framework was less prevalent, but did appear in articles that emphasized the social responsibility of individuals and communities. The family was often presented as a specific affected unit, where children are most vulnerable, but also as a place where support is possible. Some articles with a sensationalist tone reinforced prejudices against alcoholism. The paper emphasizes that responsible and balanced reporting (i.e., reporting based on verified data, including expert sources, avoiding sensationalism, and presenting different aspects of the problem) can contribute to a more open and compassionate social approach to alcoholism.
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