1. How does alcohol impact on individuals and society?

Excessive alcohol consumption can have a significant health, social and economic burden on society and can also lead to injuries and harm to other people through violence and accidents.

Select both buttons to view the impact alcohol has on:

Slurred speech

Confusion, brain damage

Concentration problems, coma

Chronic heart failure

Reduced inhibitions, memory problems

Weak immune system, increased infections

Breathing problems, atherosclerosis

Poor reproductive ability, birth defects

Gastritis, pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis

Mobility issues

Increased cancer risk, wound healing issues

A graphic of a woman displaying internal body organs.

Globally, 3 million deaths every year result from harmful use of alcohol, this represents 5.3 % of all deaths.
In 20–39 year olds, approximately 13.5 % of total deaths are attributable to alcohol.
Alcohol misuse is the biggest risk factor for premature death, ill-health and disability among 15-49 year olds, and the fifth biggest risk factor across all ages.
Alcohol is a causal factor in more than 200 disease and injury conditions, including: mouth, throat, stomach, liver and breast cancers, high blood pressure, cirrhosis of the liver, and depression. It can also cause loss of libido and infertility.
Alcohol is linked to poor mental health and well-being and suicide.