Key facts on alcohol-related deaths globally 2018
It is estimated that alcohol-related deaths account for around five percent of all deaths worldwide. Alcohol has been proven to increase the risk of death from various diseases including certain types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and liver disease. The countries with the highest per capita consumption of alcohol include Moldova, Lithuania, Czechia, and Nigeria.
Causes of death
The most common causes of alcohol-related death worldwide include digestive diseases, unintentional injuries, and cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. As of 2016, around 21 percent of all alcohol-related deaths were due to digestive diseases. In fact, alcohol was the cause of death in one quarter of all deaths from digestive diseases.
Alcohol use disorders
The abuse of alcohol remains a problem in many parts of the world. The region of the Americas is estimated to have the highest prevalence of alcohol dependence worldwide, with around four percent of the population aged 15 years and older dependent on alcohol. Males are more prone to harmful alcohol use and alcohol dependence, with around four percent of males using alcohol at harmful levels compared to just one percent of females.
Causes of death
The most common causes of alcohol-related death worldwide include digestive diseases, unintentional injuries, and cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. As of 2016, around 21 percent of all alcohol-related deaths were due to digestive diseases. In fact, alcohol was the cause of death in one quarter of all deaths from digestive diseases.
Alcohol use disorders
The abuse of alcohol remains a problem in many parts of the world. The region of the Americas is estimated to have the highest prevalence of alcohol dependence worldwide, with around four percent of the population aged 15 years and older dependent on alcohol. Males are more prone to harmful alcohol use and alcohol dependence, with around four percent of males using alcohol at harmful levels compared to just one percent of females.
