Every 10 seconds, someone dies from alcohol-related causes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the harmful use of alcohol accounts for 6.9% and 2.0% of the global burden of disease for men and women, respectively. ALSO READ: No alcohol is the best choice, warns UN health agency As Rwanda joins the world to observe World No Alcohol Day, on October 2, under the theme “Say No to Alcohol and Selling Alcohol to Minors is a Crime,” attention is being drawn to the devastating impact of alcohol misuse. ALSO READ: Let us talk about alcohol, writes First Lady Jeannette Kagame The theme highlights the risks of excessive drinking, and the dangers of selling alcohol to minors, which often leads to underage and binge drinking. 2.6 million deaths each year Reports by WHO indicate that alcohol consumption contributes to 2.6 million deaths each year, with far-reaching consequences on public health and society. Here are 10 harmful effects of alcohol misuse: Premature death and disability Alcohol is the leading cause of premature mortality and disability among people aged 20 to 39, accounting for 13% of deaths in this age group. This age bracket is disproportionately affected, with many lives cut short by conditions linked to alcohol misuse, WHO states. Mental and behavioral disorders The UN health agency has established a clear causal link between alcohol consumption and a range of mental health issues, including alcohol dependence and other behavioral disorders. Excessive drinking can worsen anxiety, depression, and lead to alcohol addiction, which further affects individuals and communities. ALSO READ: To reduce alcohol abuse, we all need to look at how we are raising and engaging our children Liver diseases One of the well-documented impacts of harmful alcohol use is its link to liver diseases, especially cirrhosis. The liver, which filters toxins from the body, is severely impacted by regular alcohol intake, leading to long-term damage and, in many cases, death. Cancers Alcohol consumption is classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It increases the risk of several types of cancer, including liver, breast, mouth, and throat cancers. The toxic effects of alcohol are pervasive, attacking multiple organs. Injuries from violence and accidents Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, making it a major contributor to both intentional and unintentional injuries. This includes violent assaults, domestic violence, and road accidents, with intoxicated drivers being a primary cause of fatal crashes globally, according to WHO. Cardiovascular diseases Alcohol’s toxic effects on the cardiovascular system are severe. Excessive consumption increases the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. These conditions often result in sudden death or prolonged illness, adding to the burden of alcohol-related health issues. Tuberculosis and pneumonia Recent studies have highlighted the connection between harmful alcohol use and infectious diseases, including tuberculosis and pneumonia. Alcohol suppresses the immune system, making drinkers more susceptible to infections, while also complicating treatment outcomes. HIV/AIDS According to WHO, there is growing evidence linking alcohol misuse to the progression of HIV/AIDS. Alcohol compromises the immune system and increases risky behaviors such as unprotected sex, further contributing to the spread of the disease, particularly in vulnerable communities. Social and economic losses The harmful use of alcohol brings social and economic consequences. Individuals suffering from alcohol-related illnesses may face job loss, family breakdowns, and homelessness. At the societal level, healthcare systems bear the financial brunt of treating alcohol-related conditions, particularly in lower-income countries where the risks of morbidity and mortality are higher. Impact on vulnerable populations WHO states that disadvantaged and vulnerable populations suffer disproportionately from alcohol-related harm. This includes children, adolescents, women of childbearing age, pregnant women, indigenous groups, and people with low socioeconomic status. “In these populations, alcohol misuse exacerbates health inequalities, creating cycles of poverty and illness.” According to WHO, 4.7% of the global burden of disease in 2019 was due to harmful alcohol use, and that year alone, 2.6 million people died from alcohol-related conditions. Despite these staggering numbers, alcohol consumption continues to rise in many parts of the world. In Rwanda, a survey by Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) revealed that alcohol consumption increased from 41% in 2013 to 48% in 2022. In response, Rwanda launched the “TunyweLess” campaign in 2023, urging people to reduce or quit drinking. The campaign is part of global efforts, including WHO’s SAFER initiative, to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. The SAFER initiative promotes measures like increasing taxes on alcohol, enforcing drink-driving laws, and restricting alcohol advertising and availability. WHO’s approach also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly target 3.5, which focuses on substance abuse prevention, including the harmful use of alcohol.
