WHO Report Reveals Alarming Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics

By: Modupe Adeniyi. Freelance Health Reporter.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2024. The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a report on the global impact of alcohol and drug use and the urgent need to address this public health crisis. The report provides a comprehensive update based on 2019 data, revealing startling statistics and emphasizing the critical importance of tackling substance use disorders.

This report highlights the fact that alcohol consumption is responsible for 2.6 million deaths annually, thereby accounting for 4.7% of all global deaths. Additionally, psychoactive drugs claim 600,000 lives each year with an alarming 400,000 being men.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasised the severity of the situation, saying: "Substance use severely harms individual health, increasing the risk of chronic diseases, mental health conditions and tragically resulting in millions of preventable deaths every year. It places a heavy burden on families and communities, increasing exposure to accidents, injuries and violence."

The health consequences of alcohol consumption are far-reaching. Of the 2.6 million alcohol-related deaths in 2019:

- 1.6 million were due to noncommunicable diseases

- 724,000 resulted from injuries

- 284,000 were linked to communicable diseases

Notably, the highest proportion (13%) of alcohol-related deaths occurred among young people aged 20-39 years indicating the devastating impact on the younger population.

Even though total alcohol per capita consumption decreased slightly from 5.7 liters in 2010 to 5.5 liters in 2019, the level remains concerning. On an average, drinkers consume an equivalent of two glasses of wine or two bottles of beer and this consumption has been associated with increased health risks and mortality.

Although treatment exists for substance use disorders, there's still a substantial treatment gap. In countries providing data, treatment coverage ranges from less than 1% to no more than 35%. Notable reasons for this may include stigma, discrimination and misconceptions about treatment efficacy.

The Way Forward

To address these challenges and work towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.5 by 2030, the WHO report outlines eight strategic areas for action:

1. Increase awareness through a coordinated global advocacy campaign

2. Strengthen prevention and treatment capacity of health and social care systems

3. Scale up training of health professionals

4. Re-commit to implementing the Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022-2030

5. Accelerate international efforts on capacity-building and knowledge transfer

6. Engage civil society organizations, professional associations, and people with lived experience

7. Improve multi-level monitoring systems and research capacity

8. Scale up resource mobilization and innovative funding mechanisms

"To build a healthier, more equitable society, we must urgently commit to bold actions that reduce the negative health and social consequences of alcohol consumption and make treatment for substance use disorders accessible and affordable," emphasised Dr. Ghebreyesus

As the world grapples with the far-reaching impacts of alcohol and drug use, this WHO report serves as a crucial wake-up call to governments, health organizations and communities worldwide to take decisive action in reducing the devastating effects of substance use disorders.

Source: World Health Organization News Release.

Published: June 26, 2024

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