Mason Delacroix
Alcohol consumption is a global health concern, with harmful drinking resulting in 2.6 million deaths annually. The Global alcohol action plan 2022–2030 aims to reduce the harmful use of alcohol through evidence-based strategies. While the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional drinking patterns, some trends persisted, such as the growth of e-commerce, premiumisation, and at-home drinking. Global trends indicate a move towards moderation and temporary abstinence, particularly among younger LDA+ consumers. Consumers are also increasingly opting for single-category occasions and no/low-alcohol alternatives. The beverage alcohol market is expected to experience growth in 2025, driven by emerging economies and a preference for premium and innovative products.
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What You'll Learn
- Alcohol consumption is associated with over 200 diseases and health conditions
- Alcohol use disorders affect 400 million people, with 209 million dependent
- Alcohol abstinence is most common in North Africa and the Middle East
- Alcohol consumption is decreasing in Mediterranean countries and increasing in northern Europe
- Alcohol consumption is rising in some markets, with consumers drinking more when they go out
Alcohol consumption is associated with over 200 diseases and health conditions
Alcohol consumption is linked to a wide range of diseases and health issues, with research indicating that alcohol is a causal factor in over 200 health conditions. This includes noncommunicable diseases, injuries, and other health issues. While scientific evidence is available to establish the link for 31 health conditions, the full extent of alcohol's impact is yet to be quantified.
Alcohol consumption is a well-known risk factor for various cancers, including breast, liver, head and neck, oesophageal, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. It is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, posing a cancer risk regardless of the type of alcoholic beverage consumed. The toxic nature of alcohol and its metabolites also make it detrimental to the liver, leading to acute and chronic liver injuries and contributing to alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD).
The impact of alcohol extends beyond cancer and liver diseases. Cardiovascular health is also affected, with an estimated 474,000 deaths from cardiovascular diseases attributed to alcohol consumption in 2019. Mental health and behavioural conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorders, are also linked to alcohol consumption. Additionally, alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) and complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature delivery.
Alcohol's harmful effects are not limited to physical health. Social problems can arise, including family issues, difficulties at work, financial troubles, and unemployment. Furthermore, alcohol intoxication can lead to risky behaviours, such as unprotected sex, which may increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.
While the harmful impact of alcohol is evident, global trends indicate a mixed picture. On one hand, there is a growing trend towards moderation, with consumers actively controlling their alcohol intake and opting for lighter drinking habits. This is particularly noticeable in the increasing popularity of no- and low-alcohol beverages, which are expected to experience significant growth by 2028. However, at the same time, there is a revival of on-trade consumption, with consumers drinking more when they go out, especially among millennials in the US.
To address the harmful effects of alcohol, global efforts are being made. The Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022-2030 aims to reduce harmful alcohol use through strategies and interventions at various levels. This includes a focus on advocacy, awareness, partnerships, technical support, and knowledge production. While progress has been made, with a decrease in alcohol-attributable deaths per 100,000 people globally from 2010 to 2019, the impact of alcohol remains a significant concern, and continued action is necessary to mitigate its health and social consequences.
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Alcohol use disorders affect 400 million people, with 209 million dependent
Alcohol use disorders are a significant global health concern, affecting an estimated 400 million people worldwide, according to data from 2019. This number represents approximately 7% of the world's population aged 15 years and older. Even more concerning is the fact that 209 million people, or 3.7% of the adult population worldwide, live with alcohol dependence. These statistics highlight the pervasive nature of alcohol use disorders and the urgent need for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Alcohol consumption is associated with a wide range of health risks and negative consequences. It plays a causal role in more than 200 diseases, injuries, and other health conditions. The most well-known health risks associated with alcohol include liver disease, heart disease, and various types of cancer. In 2019 alone, an estimated 474,000 deaths from cardiovascular diseases were caused by alcohol consumption. Additionally, alcohol is a known carcinogen, increasing the risk of several cancers, including breast, liver, head and neck, oesophageal, and colorectal cancers.
The impact of alcohol use disorders extends beyond physical health. Mental health and behavioural conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorders themselves, are also linked to alcohol consumption. Social problems can also arise, including family issues, difficulties at work, financial troubles, and unemployment. These far-reaching consequences underscore the importance of addressing alcohol use disorders and providing adequate support and treatment options.
Despite the high prevalence of alcohol use disorders, access to screening, intervention, and treatment remains low globally. The proportion of people with alcohol use disorders who are in contact with treatment services varies from less than 1% to 14% in countries with available data. This disparity is partly due to the stigma, discrimination, and misconceptions surrounding substance use disorders, as well as the low prioritization of these disorders by health and development agencies. Effective treatment options do exist, but the challenge lies in ensuring their accessibility and acceptance.
To address this global issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed the Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022-2030. This comprehensive plan aims to reduce the harmful use of alcohol through evidence-based strategies at national, regional, and global levels. It outlines six key areas for action, including advocacy, partnership, technical support, and knowledge production. By implementing this plan and similar initiatives, the goal is to reduce alcohol-related harms and improve the overall health and well-being of individuals affected by alcohol use disorders.
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Alcohol abstinence is most common in North Africa and the Middle East
Alcohol consumption is influenced by various factors, including cultural norms, religious beliefs, and social practices. In North Africa and the Middle East, Islamic doctrine and traditions may contribute to lower alcohol consumption rates. Religious teachings and cultural norms may discourage or prohibit alcohol consumption, leading to higher abstinence rates.
In contrast to the low alcohol consumption rates in North Africa and the Middle East, alcohol intake across Europe is relatively higher. More than two-thirds of adults in most European countries consume alcohol. However, it is important to note that within Europe, there are variations among countries, with Southern European countries generally exhibiting higher drinking rates than Northern European ones.
While North Africa and the Middle East have low alcohol consumption rates overall, there are some variations within the region. For example, alcohol use among women in Africa is increasing, according to a 2011 study. The study, which surveyed 40,739 adult women across 20 African countries, found that current alcohol use ranged from 1% in Malawi to 30% in Burkina Faso. Chad had the highest rates of heavy drinking (41%) and risky single-occasion drinking (58%) among African women.
Additionally, while North Africa and the Middle East have low alcohol consumption rates overall, there may be variations within specific countries or communities. Cultural, religious, and social factors may interact in complex ways to influence drinking patterns. Furthermore, historical contexts and migration patterns can also shape alcohol consumption norms within these regions.
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Alcohol consumption is decreasing in Mediterranean countries and increasing in northern Europe
Alcohol consumption trends are dynamic, with various factors influencing drinking behaviours across different countries and cultures. One evident global trend is the decrease in alcohol consumption in Mediterranean countries and an increase in northern European regions. This shift in patterns challenges the traditional notion of Mediterranean countries having healthier drinking cultures compared to their northern European counterparts.
Alcohol Consumption in Mediterranean Countries
Historically, Mediterranean countries have been associated with a long-standing cultural tradition of wine production and consumption. This tradition has typically involved regular yet moderate alcohol intake, usually during mealtimes and in the company of family and friends. Such patterns have often been linked to a relatively low risk of alcohol abuse. However, recent studies indicate that alcohol consumption behaviours among young people in Southern European Mediterranean countries are gradually changing towards less healthy patterns.
For example, young people in Mediterranean countries are increasingly consuming wine outside of mealtimes and engaging in binge drinking, leading to a higher prevalence of intoxication. This shift may be influenced by various contextual factors, including the company kept and venues frequented during drinking occasions. The traditional Mediterranean drinking culture is further impacted by the increasing influence of northern European drinking patterns, characterised by higher-risk drinking behaviours.
Alcohol Consumption in Northern Europe
In contrast to the Mediterranean region, northern European countries have generally exhibited higher-risk drinking behaviours. Studies have shown that adolescents and young adults in Anglo-Saxon and Nordic countries, including Scandinavian nations, have higher rates of intoxication due to alcohol consumption outside of mealtimes. The frequency and amount of alcohol consumption tend to be higher in northern European countries, contributing to a more prominent culture of drunkenness.
The increase in alcohol consumption in northern Europe may be attributed to various social, cultural, and economic factors. Northern European countries have traditionally had higher rates of alcohol consumption, and the homogenization of consumption rates across Europe may contribute to this trend. Additionally, the availability and pricing of alcohol play a role in influencing consumption patterns in these regions.
In summary, the global trend of decreasing alcohol consumption in Mediterranean countries and increasing consumption in northern Europe challenges traditional drinking culture stereotypes. This shift in patterns, particularly among younger generations, underscores the need for effective public health policies and interventions to address the harmful use of alcohol and promote healthier drinking behaviours.
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Alcohol consumption is rising in some markets, with consumers drinking more when they go out
While alcohol consumption increases in some markets, global trends indicate a growing preference for moderation. There has been a significant increase in 'light' drinkers, characterised by low consumption frequency and intensity. This trend spans all age groups and demographics, challenging the notion that it is limited to younger consumers. The expansion of the no- and low-alcohol categories is expected to deliver US$4 billion in incremental growth by 2028, reshaping consumption patterns.
The beverage alcohol market is also influenced by economic factors. While mature markets like the US and Europe face pressure from high inflation rates, emerging economies such as India, South Africa, and several Southeast Asian and Latin American countries exhibit buoyancy. The latter group benefits from younger consumers, a growing middle class, and increased urbanisation, resulting in a preference for premium and innovative products.
Another notable trend is the shift from multiple beverage categories to single-category occasions. Consumers are increasingly opting for a single type of beverage during an occasion, reducing their overall consumption. This trend is evident in the 15 Bevtrac markets, where the average number of beverage categories consumed per occasion decreased from 2.4 in 2023 to 1.8 in 2024.
Despite the positive outlook for the industry, it is important to consider the health implications of alcohol consumption. Alcohol plays a causal role in over 200 diseases, injuries, and health conditions, including liver disease, heart disease, and various types of cancer. Globally, an estimated 400 million people aged 15 and older live with alcohol use disorders, with an estimated 209 million dependent on alcohol. While there has been progress in reducing alcohol-attributable deaths, the interference of the alcohol industry in policy development remains a challenge.
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Frequently asked questions
The Global Alcohol Action Plan is a plan endorsed by WHO Member States, aiming to reduce the harmful use of alcohol through evidence-based strategies at national, regional, and global levels.
Global trends indicate an increased interest in purchasing premium-priced alcoholic beverages, with younger consumers leading this trend. There is also a revival of on-trade channels in key countries such as China, Germany, Italy, Mexico, the UK, and the US.
Alcohol consumption is associated with over 200 diseases, injuries, and health conditions. It is a causal factor in an estimated 474,000 deaths from cardiovascular diseases and plays a significant role in 230 different types of diseases.
Global trends show high levels of alcohol abstinence in North Africa and the Middle East, with the majority of adults in most countries in these regions never consuming alcohol.
Globally, around 1% of the population has an alcohol use disorder, with a range of 0.5 to 5% across different countries. Men make up around three-quarters of people with alcohol use disorders.
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