Alcohol use
Alcohol intake in the WHO European Region is the highest in the world. The harmful use of alcohol is related to premature death and avoidable disease and is a major avoidable risk factor for neuropsychiatric disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cirrhosis of the liver and cancer. It is associated with several infectious diseases and contributes significantly to unintentional and intentional injuries. Further, excessive alcohol use during a woman’s pregnancy can lead to severe mental handicap of her child.
WHO/Europe's alcohol policy frameworkTop story
New report showcases eastern European and central Asian countries as pioneers in cost-effective alcohol policies
WHO has published a new report which showcases the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of Moldova, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – as pioneers in implementing the most cost-effective policies to reduce alcohol intake and alcohol-attributable harm in the WHO European Region.
News
- New report showcases eastern European and central Asian countries as pioneers in cost-effective alcohol policies
- Focusing on noncommunicable diseases to “build back better”
- Progress reports on health and sustainable development now available for Georgia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
Publications
Alcohol policy impact case study: the effects of alcohol control measures on mortality and life expectancy in the Russian Federation (2019)
More publications
Alcohol and COVID-19
Policy resource
European action plan to reduce the harmful use of alcohol 2012–2020The European action plan to reduce the harmful use of alcohol 2012–2020 includes a range of evidence-based policy options to reduce the harmful use of alcohol.
Data and statistics
1 in 5 people
Aged 15 years+ report heavy episodic drinking (5 or more drinks on an occasion, or 60g alcohol) at least once a week.
More data and statistics
Databases
