The Health Effects of Excessive Alcohol Use: What You Need to Know
Alcohol is consumed in many parts of the world and is often associated with social gatherings and celebrations. However, excessive alcohol use can have serious consequences for physical health, mental well-being, families, and communities.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol consumption was responsible for approximately 2.6 million deaths worldwide in 2019, representing about 4.7% of all deaths globally. The same WHO estimates show that alcohol contributed to around 115.9 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), which measures years of healthy life lost because of illness, disability, or premature death.
How Does Alcohol Affect Your Health?
Alcohol can affect many organs and body systems. The WHO states that alcohol consumption plays a causal role in more than 200 diseases, injuries, and other health conditions.
The effects can range from short-term problems, such as accidents and injuries, to long-term conditions including liver disease, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and alcohol use disorders.
The amount consumed and the pattern of drinking both matter. Heavy episodic drinking, sometimes called binge drinking, can increase the risk of injuries and other immediate harms, while long-term heavy drinking can contribute to chronic health problems.
Alcohol and Cancer
One of the most important health concerns is the link between alcohol and cancer.
Alcohol is classified as a carcinogen, and drinking alcohol increases the risk of several types of cancer, including breast, liver, colorectal, esophageal, and head and neck cancers.
WHO estimates that alcohol consumption was responsible for approximately 401,000 cancer deaths worldwide in 2019, accounting for about 4.4% of all newly diagnosed cancers globally that year.
This is an important reminder that alcohol-related health risks are not limited to the liver.
Alcohol and Heart Health
Alcohol consumption is also associated with cardiovascular disease. According to WHO estimates, approximately 474,000 deaths from cardiovascular diseases were attributable to alcohol in 2019.
The relationship between alcohol and heart health can be complex, but current public-health evidence does not support drinking alcohol as a way to protect your heart. Alcohol can contribute to several cardiovascular problems and may increase health risks, particularly with heavier consumption.
Alcohol, Mental Health, and Dependence
The effects of alcohol are not limited to physical health. Alcohol can also affect mental health and behavior.
Alcohol use is associated with conditions such as depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorders. In 2019, an estimated 400 million people aged 15 and older worldwide were living with an alcohol use disorder, including approximately 209 million people living with alcohol dependence.
Alcohol dependence is a medical condition that can make it difficult for a person to control their drinking despite its negative effects on their health or daily life. People experiencing this problem may benefit from professional medical and psychological support.
Young Adults Are Particularly Affected
Alcohol-related harm can affect people of all ages, but younger adults are particularly affected.
WHO estimates that in 2019, 13% of alcohol-attributable deaths occurred among people aged 20–39 years. This highlights the significant impact alcohol can have during an important stage of life.
Alcohol can also increase the risk of injuries, road traffic crashes, violence, and other harmful situations. These consequences can affect not only the person drinking but also family members, friends, and other people in the community.
Alcohol and Road Traffic Injuries
Drinking alcohol can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents.
WHO estimates that 298,000 deaths from alcohol-related road crashes occurred in 2019. Of these, approximately 156,000 deaths were caused by another person's drinking, showing that alcohol-related harm can extend beyond the individual who consumes alcohol.
This is one reason why avoiding alcohol before driving is an important public-health measure.
What About the Eastern Mediterranean Region?
Alcohol consumption varies considerably between regions and countries.
The WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region has a particularly high proportion of people who abstain from alcohol. In data covering the region, about 97.1% of the population had not consumed alcohol during the previous 12 months. However, among people who do drink, heavy episodic drinking can contribute to significant health risks.
This illustrates an important point: overall consumption in a population does not tell the whole story. Drinking patterns also matter when assessing alcohol-related harm.
Can Alcohol-Related Harm Be Prevented?
Yes. Many alcohol-related health problems can be prevented or reduced.
Effective public-health measures include increasing awareness of alcohol-related risks, reducing harmful drinking patterns, preventing drinking and driving, providing screening and early intervention, and improving access to treatment for people with alcohol use disorders.
The WHO emphasizes that access to treatment remains limited in many parts of the world. Therefore, reducing alcohol-related harm requires not only individual awareness but also effective health services and public-health policies.
The Bottom Line
Excessive alcohol use is an important global health issue. The latest comprehensive WHO estimates show that alcohol was responsible for about 2.6 million deaths worldwide in 2019 and contributed substantially to disease, injuries, disability, and premature death.
The health effects can involve many parts of the body, including the liver, heart, brain, and other organs. Alcohol is also linked to several cancers and can contribute to mental health problems and dependence.
Understanding these risks can help people make informed choices about their health. For anyone who is struggling to control their alcohol use, seeking help from a qualified healthcare professional can be an important first step.