WHO reports that alcohol causes 2.6 million deaths annually

A WHO report reveals that nearly three million annual deaths are due to alcohol, accounting for 4.7% of global deaths in 2019. Younger adults, especially those aged 20 to 39, are disproportionately affected, with alcohol abuse linked to liver cirrhosis, cancers, and infectious diseases. Although global consumption has slightly decreased, Europe has the highest per capita drinking, while Muslim countries have the lowest. The WHO calls for improved access to substance use disorder treatment, highlighting that stigma, discrimination, and misconceptions hinder effective care, according to Dr. Vladimir Poznyak.