Alcohol abuse in Belgium 2008-2018

The number of registered cases of alcohol abuse in Belgium was somewhat stable from 2011 to 2018. During this period, the number of offenses such as public drinking, illegal distilleries, or serving alcohol to a drunk person, was ranging from roughly 19 and 20 thousand cases each year. Cases of alcohol abuse registered by the Belgian Federal Police peaked in 2012 and reached as low as 19.152 cases in 2015. However, prior to 2011, lower figures were reported. In 2019, registered cases of alcohol abuse in Belgium amounted to 20 thousand offenses.

Alcohol abuse in Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels-Capital

In terms of registered cases, the country faced strong regional differences in 2018. From a regional perspective, the number of alcohol abuse cases was much higher in Flanders than in the other parts of the country. Indeed, offenses reached over 12 thousand cases in Flanders whereas Wallonia registered less than half the number of such offenses. Furthermore, the Belgian Federal Police registered even fewer cases in the Brussels-Capital Region than in Wallonia. That being said, Belgium’s population was unequally spread in its three regions. To this day, Flanders was the most populated region of Belgium, followed by Wallonia, and Brussels-Capital.

Alcohol consumption in Belgium

In 2016, liquor consumption was higher in Belgium than in the Netherlands or Luxembourg. Although alcohol consumption continues to hold an important role in social engagement, it is linked to numerous negative outcomes. Indeed, alcohol consumption is notably linked to dependence, diseases, various health impacts, and road incidents. As can be seen, alcohol is also involved in many crimes. If alcohol consumption becomes a source of concern, Belgium, like many other countries, always offers anonymous and free help.