Alcoholic beverages contain ethanol, a psychoactive and toxic substance that can lead to dependence. In 2019, alcohol consumption caused approximately 2.6 million deaths worldwide. These included 1.6 million deaths from noncommunicable diseases, 700,000 from injuries, and 300,000 from communicable diseases. Men were disproportionately affected, accounting for 2 million of these deaths, compared to 600,000 among women. Additionally, around 400 million people, or 7% of the global population aged 15 and older, lived with alcohol use disorders, with 209 million suffering from alcohol dependence.

Alcohol consumption, even at low levels, can pose health risks, but the most severe harms arise from heavy episodic or continuous drinking. It plays a causal role in over 200 diseases and conditions. In 2019, alcohol was responsible for 474,000 deaths from cardiovascular diseases and 401,000 cancer deaths. It is a known carcinogen, increasing the risk of cancers such as breast, liver, and colorectal cancer. Furthermore, alcohol-related harm extends beyond the individual, contributing to injuries from road traffic accidents, falls, drowning, and violence.

Younger individuals, particularly those aged 20-39, are significantly impacted by alcohol consumption. In 2019, 13% of alcohol-attributable deaths occurred within this age group. Alcohol use during pregnancy is particularly harmful, increasing the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and other complications.

Alcohol consumption carries risks regardless of the amount consumed. The level of risk is influenced by factors such as the quantity and frequency of drinking, individual health status, age, sex, and context. Cultural norms, alcohol availability, and economic development also play significant roles. Patterns of heavy episodic drinking are particularly harmful.

Despite progress in developing national alcohol policies and implementing excise taxes, challenges remain. Interference from the alcohol industry continues to hinder policy development. Access to treatment for alcohol use disorders is limited, with only a small proportion of affected individuals receiving care. Ensuring the availability of effective, evidence-based interventions and protecting the confidentiality of individuals in treatment are critical steps.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed the Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022–2030, aiming to reduce harmful alcohol use through evidence-based strategies. The plan focuses on six key areas: high-impact strategies, advocacy, partnerships, technical support, knowledge production, and resource mobilization. Achieving these goals requires coordinated action at global, regional, and national levels.

The SAFER initiative, launched by WHO in 2018, supports countries in implementing proven interventions to reduce alcohol-related harm. The WHO Global Information System on Alcohol and Health (GISAH) provides data on alcohol consumption patterns, health consequences, and policy responses worldwide.

Reducing the harmful use of alcohol is essential for improving global health outcomes. Public policies should be guided by public health interests, free from conflicts of interest with the alcohol industry. By working together, we can effectively mitigate the negative health and social consequences of alcohol, promoting a healthier, safer society.