Alcohol, Drugs Cause Over 3 Million Deaths Annually: WHO

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) latest report reveals that alcohol and drug use cause over 3 million deaths annually, significantly impacting men’s health. Alcohol is responsible for 2.6 million deaths, while drugs contribute to 0.6 million. The report underscores an urgent need for improved treatment access and global action to reduce substance-related harm, aiming to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.5 by 2030.

Tedros Adhanom, Director General, WHO, highlighted the severity of the issue: “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 burdens families and communities, leading to more accidents, injuries, and violence. 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.”

Despite some progress since 2010, alcohol-related deaths remain significant. In 2019, alcohol was responsible for 2.6 million deaths, with the highest rates in Europe and Africa. In Mexico, alcohol is the fifth most addictive substance and the most consumed legal drug, with seven out of 10 Mexicans having consumed it. Mexico ranks seventh globally in alcohol-related traffic fatalities, with around 24,000 deaths annually—about 55 per day—primarily affecting individuals aged 10 to 29, according to MBN.

Heavy episodic drinking, defined as consuming at least 60 grams of pure alcohol on one or more occasions in the past month, was reported by 38% of current drinkers, with a notable prevalence among men.

The report also highlights a significant treatment gap for substance use disorders. Coverage for treatment services varies widely, from less than 1% to 35% in 2019. Many countries lack specific budgets or data for substance use treatment, and stigma and misconceptions continue to impede progress.

To address these challenges and meet SDG target 3.5 by 2030, WHO calls for intensified actions in eight strategic areas, including global advocacy, strengthening prevention and treatment capacities, scaling up training for health professionals, and improving monitoring and funding mechanisms.

The previous report on SDG target 3.5 was published in 2018. The current update was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Global Action Plan for Alcohol 2022-2030 aims to guide the implementation of strategies to reduce alcohol-related harm and enhance treatment accessibility worldwide.