Arielle Cruz
Alcohol consumption is a leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide. In 2019, around 2.6 million deaths were attributable to alcohol consumption, with the highest number of deaths among men. Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of various cancers, including breast, liver, head and neck, oesophageal, and colorectal cancers. It also causes harm to others, including injuries and deaths from road traffic accidents. Younger people, particularly those aged 20-39, are disproportionately affected by alcohol-related deaths. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), leading to intellectual disabilities and birth defects. Even low levels of alcohol consumption carry health risks, and excessive alcohol use can lead to social problems and psychiatric disorders. Effective alcohol control interventions are available and should be utilized to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of deaths attributable to alcohol consumption worldwide in 2019 | 2.6 million |
| Number of deaths attributable to alcohol consumption worldwide in 2019 (by gender) | 2 million men, 0.6 million women |
| Alcohol-related deaths per 100,000 persons (by region) | WHO European Region: 52.9, WHO African Region: 52.2 |
| Age group with the highest proportion of alcohol-attributable deaths in 2019 | 20-39 years (13%) |
| Alcohol-attributable deaths in the US in 2019 | 78,927 |
| Alcohol-attributable deaths in the US in 2020 | 99,017 |
| Alcohol-attributable deaths in the US in 2021 | 108,791 |
| Alcohol-attributable deaths in the US in 2022 | 105,415 |
| Percentage of cancer cases diagnosed in the US in 2019 that were attributable to alcohol consumption | 5% (nearly 100,000 cases) |
| Percentage of cancer deaths in the US in 2019 that were attributable to alcohol consumption | 4% (nearly 25,000 deaths) |
| Percentage of new cancer cases attributable to alcohol consumption (US, 2024 analysis) | 5.4% (men), 4.1% (women) |
| Percentage of alcohol-related breast cancer risk increase for women who drink 1 drink per day compared to non-drinkers | 5-15% |
| Alcohol-related deaths caused by someone else's drinking (2019) | 156,000 out of 298,000 alcohol-related road crash deaths |
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What You'll Learn
- Alcohol is a leading cause of cancer, increasing the risk of liver, breast, head, neck, and oesophageal cancers
- Alcohol consumption is linked to a higher risk of injuries, intentional or unintentional, including road accidents, falls, and violence
- Alcohol use increases the risk of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV
- Prenatal alcohol exposure can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), leading to intellectual disabilities and birth defects
- Alcohol consumption can lead to social problems, including family issues, unemployment, and financial difficulties
Alcohol is a leading cause of cancer, increasing the risk of liver, breast, head, neck, and oesophageal cancers
Alcohol consumption is a leading cause of several types of cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, due to sufficient evidence of its causal relationship with cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, and liver. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that alcohol consumption increases the risk of these cancers in a dose-dependent manner, meaning that the more alcohol is consumed, the higher the risk becomes.
One of the mechanisms by which alcohol contributes to cancer development is through its metabolism in the body. When alcohol is consumed, it is metabolized by an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), which converts it into acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen. This conversion occurs mainly in the liver, which is why long-term alcohol use is linked to an increased risk of liver cancer. Regular heavy drinking can lead to inflammation and scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver, and as liver cells attempt to repair this damage, they can make mistakes in their DNA, potentially leading to cancerous changes.
Alcohol also increases the risk of breast cancer. This is partly due to its ability to raise estrogen levels in the body, which at high levels, are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Additionally, alcohol can negatively impact one-carbon metabolism and folate absorption, leading to DNA damage, which may further contribute to cancer development.
Furthermore, alcohol consumption is linked to an elevated risk of head and neck cancers. Individuals with a specific genetic variation in the ALDH2 gene, commonly found in people of East Asian descent, have an increased risk of these cancers when consuming even moderate amounts of alcohol. This is because they have a "superactive" form of the ALDH2 enzyme, which leads to a buildup of toxic acetaldehyde.
It is important to note that the combination of alcohol and tobacco use significantly increases the risk of oral and pharyngeal cancers beyond the individual risks of alcohol or tobacco alone. This is because alcohol facilitates the absorption of harmful chemicals from tobacco smoke into the cells lining the mouth, throat, and oesophagus, making them particularly susceptible to cancer development.
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Alcohol consumption is linked to a higher risk of injuries, intentional or unintentional, including road accidents, falls, and violence
Alcohol consumption is associated with a higher risk of injuries, both intentional and unintentional. Alcohol consumption is a leading cause of preventable death, and its negative impact is pervasive, affecting individuals, families, and societies worldwide.
Unintentional injuries caused by alcohol consumption include road injuries, which account for a significant proportion of alcohol-related harm. Alcohol impairs a person's ability to drive safely, with the risk of crashing increasing exponentially as Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) rises. In the United States, about 30% of traffic crash fatalities involve drunk drivers, and even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability. Research indicates that drivers with a BAC of 0.08 are approximately four times more likely to crash than sober drivers, and this risk increases significantly at higher BAC levels.
In addition to road injuries, falls are also a major contributor to morbidity and mortality associated with alcohol consumption. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths for those over 70 and rank highly across all age groups. Other unintentional injuries linked to alcohol consumption include transport injuries other than road injuries, such as air and water transport incidents, poisoning, burns, and workplace injuries.
Alcohol consumption also increases the risk of intentional injuries, including interpersonal violence, self-harm, and suicide. Alcohol's toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-inducing properties can contribute to violent behaviours and intentional self-harm. Alcohol consumption can also lead to social problems, including family issues, problems at work, financial difficulties, and unemployment, which may further increase the risk of intentional injuries.
The impact of alcohol-related injuries is particularly pronounced in younger people, with the highest proportion of alcohol-attributable deaths occurring in individuals aged 20–39. Overall, alcohol consumption is a significant contributor to injury-related premature loss of life, disability, and ill health, highlighting the importance of effective alcohol control interventions and individual responsibility in mitigating these harmful effects.
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Alcohol use increases the risk of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV
Alcohol use has been linked to an increased risk of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV. This is due to both behavioural and biological mechanisms.
Firstly, alcohol impairs judgement and lowers inhibitions, leading to riskier behaviour such as having anal or vaginal sex without using condoms or other HIV prevention tools. This is a major factor in the transmission of HIV. Alcohol also negatively affects the ability of people living with HIV to stick to their HIV treatment regimen, which can speed up the progression of the disease and increase susceptibility to organ damage and co-infections.
Secondly, heavy alcohol consumption weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. Chronic heavy drinking stimulates inflammation and impairs the body's ability to fight off infections, leading to increased vulnerability to viral and bacterial infections.
The association between alcohol consumption and infectious diseases has been recognised for centuries, dating back to Benjamin Rush's work in 1785. However, the impact of alcohol use on infectious disease outcomes was not included in global risk assessments until after 2010. This oversight is surprising given the strong associations between alcohol use and infectious diseases observed in research and practice.
It is important to note that the relationship between alcohol use and infectious diseases is complex, influenced by various social and biological factors. While alcohol use may increase the risk of contracting or transmitting certain infections, moderate alcohol consumption may strengthen the response to other types of infections.
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Prenatal alcohol exposure can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), leading to intellectual disabilities and birth defects
Alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on health and well-being, and this is no different when it comes to prenatal and pregnancy alcohol exposure. Prenatal alcohol exposure can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which encompass a range of physical, behavioural, and cognitive impairments that can last a lifetime. FASD is a leading preventable cause of birth defects and neurodevelopmental issues in the United States.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that arise due to alcohol exposure before birth. This exposure can interfere with the baby's brain development and the formation of other critical organs and physiological functions, leading to lifelong deficits. Research indicates that binge drinking and heavy drinking during pregnancy put the developing fetus at the highest risk of severe problems. However, it is important to note that even lesser amounts of alcohol can cause harm.
The effects of FASD can manifest in various ways, including partial fetal alcohol syndrome (pFAS) and alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorders (ARND). pFAS is diagnosed when an individual presents with a history of prenatal alcohol exposure, distinct facial features, and growth or CNS abnormalities. ARND, on the other hand, is characterised by intellectual disabilities, behavioural issues, and learning difficulties. Those with ARND may struggle academically, particularly in areas such as math, memory, attention, judgment, and impulse control.
Alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD) are another consequence of prenatal alcohol exposure. ARBD can manifest as problems with vital organs, including the heart, kidneys, or bones, or with hearing. These defects can have lifelong impacts and require ongoing management and support. Early identification of FASD is critical for affected individuals and their families, as it can help maximise treatment options and build supportive networks. However, FASD is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to a lack of information about prenatal alcohol exposure and the challenge of distinguishing FASD from other developmental disorders with similar symptoms.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends universal screening for prenatal alcohol exposure for all children. This includes assessing for CNS problems, physical abnormalities, health concerns, and documented prenatal alcohol exposure. Given the potential for harm, the US Surgeon General advises that women who are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, should refrain from consuming alcohol altogether. This precautionary approach ensures the lowest risk of FASD and related complications for the developing fetus.
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Alcohol consumption can lead to social problems, including family issues, unemployment, and financial difficulties
Alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on various aspects of an individual's life, including their social well-being. Heavy drinking or alcohol abuse can lead to social problems, such as family issues, unemployment, and financial difficulties.
Alcohol abuse can impair an individual's ability to function effectively in their family roles, such as a parent or partner. Drinking can lead to home accidents, violence, and child abuse, affecting the psychological and economic environment of the family. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can also result in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in children, causing long-term developmental issues.
Unemployment is another social consequence of alcohol abuse. Absenteeism and reduced productivity due to alcohol dependence can lead to job loss. Additionally, alcohol's economic impact, including the costs of purchase, medical treatment, and lost wages, can result in financial strain and decreased eligibility for loans.
Alcohol consumption can also contribute to community-level issues. It affects societal resources, requiring increased expenditure on criminal justice, healthcare, and social institutions. Additionally, alcohol-related accidents and injuries, such as road traffic accidents, falls, and burns, can impact the well-being of both the drinker and those around them.
The social problems associated with alcohol consumption are influenced by various factors, including cultural norms, availability of alcohol, economic development, and the implementation of alcohol policies. Addressing these determinants through comprehensive policy measures and interventions is crucial to reducing alcohol-related harm.
Overall, alcohol consumption can have far-reaching social consequences, affecting individuals, families, and communities. Recognizing and addressing these issues are essential to mitigate the negative impact of alcohol abuse on society.
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Frequently asked questions
Worldwide, 2.6 million deaths were attributable to alcohol consumption in 2019.
People aged 20-39 years old are disproportionately affected by alcohol consumption, with the highest proportion (13%) of alcohol-attributable deaths occurring within this age group in 2019.
Alcohol-attributable mortality was higher among men, accounting for 2 million deaths compared to 600,000 deaths among women in 2019.
Between 2015 and 2019, the leading causes of alcohol-attributable deaths due to chronic conditions in the US were liver diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers of various types.
Alcohol consumption increases the risk of several cancers, including breast, liver, head and neck, oesophageal, colorectal, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and liver cancers.
