URGENT UPDATE: A shocking new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that excessive alcohol consumption is responsible for approximately 800,000 deaths annually across Europe. This alarming statistic equates to one in every eleven deaths in the region, highlighting the urgent need for action against alcohol-related harm.
Published this week, the WHO factsheet underscores that Europe has the highest levels of alcohol consumption globally. The report outlines that drinking is a significant factor in premature mortality and injuries, with nearly 145,000 injury deaths linked to alcohol in 2019, the latest year of available data. The report identifies that the most common causes of these alcohol-attributable deaths include self-harm, road injuries, and falls.
The WHO emphasizes that alcohol is closely associated with interpersonal violence, including domestic abuse and assaults, marking it as a major contributor to violent injury deaths.
“Alcohol is a toxic substance that not only causes seven types of cancer and other noncommunicable diseases, but also impairs judgment and self-control,”
stated Carina Ferreira-Borges, Regional Adviser for Alcohol, Illicit Drugs and Prison Health at WHO/Europe. The implications of alcohol consumption are particularly severe for young people, as it adversely affects brain development and increases the likelihood of long-term mental health issues.
The report notes that alcohol remains a leading risk factor for injury-related disabilities and premature deaths among adolescents and young adults. With the dangers of alcohol consumption so pronounced, the WHO’s message is clear: immediate action is necessary to address this public health crisis.
Geographically, there is a stark contrast in alcohol-related deaths across Europe. Eastern European countries are responsible for about half of all alcohol-attributable injury deaths, while western and southern regions account for less than 20%. The trends in Russia have also changed over the last two decades, with a nearly doubling of individuals who abstain from alcohol, according to recent surveys. Interestingly, beer has overtaken vodka as the most consumed alcoholic beverage in the country.
The WHO’s findings serve as a wake-up call, urging governments, health organizations, and communities to implement effective strategies to reduce alcohol consumption and its devastating consequences. The organization calls for heightened awareness and preventive measures to combat the rising tide of alcohol-related health issues.
As this story develops, it is crucial for readers to remain informed about the ongoing discussions regarding alcohol regulation and public health initiatives. The WHO’s report not only sheds light on a critical health issue but also calls for collective responsibility to save lives and improve the overall well-being of European societies.
