A HEALTHY RACE WINS

Excessive drinking is contributing to increased injury, violence, and unnecessary premature deaths across the region, according to a new report.

Alcohol use is causing around 800,000 deaths each year in Europe, accounting for one in every eleven deaths.

In a new factsheet published this week, the agency said the continent has the highest alcohol consumption levels globally. Drinking contributes substantially to premature mortality and injury.

Based on 2019 data, the latest year available, nearly 145,000 injury deaths occurred in the region. These deaths were attributable to alcohol, the report said. The largest categories were self-harm, road injuries and falls.

According to the organization, drinking has been closely linked to interpersonal violence. This includes assaults and domestic abuse. It is identified as a major contributing factor to violent injury deaths across the region.

Young people face particular risks, with alcohol affecting brain development and decision-making during adolescence and early adulthood.

The report reveals that drinking can impair memory and learning ability. It can also increase the risk of long-term harm. This includes alcohol use disorders and other mental health problems.

Among adolescents and young adults, alcohol remains a leading risk factor for injury-related disability and premature death.

‘Alcohol is a toxic substance. It causes seven types of cancer and other noncommunicable diseases. It also impairs judgment and self-control, slows reaction times, reduces coordination, and promotes risk-taking behavior.

‘This is why it is implicated in so many preventable injuries and injury deaths.’

Eastern European countries account for about half of all alcohol-attributable injury deaths. In contrast, this figure is less than 20% in the western and southern parts of the region, the data show.

In Russia, drinking habits have shifted over the past two decades. The share of people who do not consume alcohol has nearly doubled. This is according to recent surveys.

The data also show that beer, rather than vodka, remains the most commonly consumed alcoholic drink.

Thank you for sharing our stories on social media. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

CLICK PICTURE TO GO FROM BURN OUT TO CHILL OUT WITH A GOOD BOOK https://michaelwalshbooks.wordpress.com/