Why should regions prevent alcohol-related harm?

Alcohol is a significant health and social problem requiring our immediate response.The WHO (World Health Organisation) estimates that 76,3 million people are diagnosed with alcohol use disorders throughout the world. In Europe alcohol consumption was responsible for over 55 000 deaths among young people between 15 to 29 years in 1999.

The European Union internal market has created new challenges for many Member States to reduce alcohol-related social and medical harm. Cross-border trade in alcohol has increased significantly and at the same time drinking habits, especially among younger people, tend to get more alike between our countries. To be able to work against an increasing alcohol consumption we need to co-operate at the regional and international level.

Consequences of increased alcohol consumption

Public health: increased alcohol consumption leads to an increase in injuries, diseases and violence related to alcohol go up. Alcohol is often an underlying cause to violence, especially domestic violence against women and children.

Social problems: Many children grow up in families with alcohol abuse and these children need a lot of help from society. When people drink more alcohol they also have a tendency to try other drugs. We can also see a connection between unsafe sex and alcohol.

Economic loss to society: increase in the costs for health care as well as social welfare and the criminal justice system. Society loses money due to lost productivity. An economist in Sweden has estimated the figure to 17 billions Euro pro year in Sweden.