Alcohol is deeply embedded in many cultures, economies, and social rituals - yet it remains a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality. Harmful alcohol use is associated with liver disease, cancers, cardiovascular conditions, injuries, violence, mental health disorders, and social disruption.

This episode examines:

• Global patterns of alcohol consumption• Per capita intake and regional variation• Alcohol-attributable mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)• Acute harms: injuries, road traffic crashes, violence• Chronic harms: liver cirrhosis, cancers, cardiomyopathy• Alcohol and mental health• Alcohol marketing, pricing, and availability• Population-level control strategies (taxation, advertising restrictions, minimum unit pricing)• Screening and brief interventions in clinical practice

Alcohol-related harm extends beyond the individual drinker. Families, communities, and health systems bear substantial indirect consequences. As with tobacco, alcohol is shaped by commercial determinants - marketing practices, pricing strategies, and political influence.

The chapter frames alcohol control as a balance between cultural norms and population health priorities, emphasizing evidence-based regulatory strategies alongside clinical and community interventions.

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Key Takeaways

• Alcohol contributes substantially to global mortality and morbidity• Harm includes both acute injury and chronic disease• Population-level strategies (pricing, availability controls) are highly effective• Alcohol use intersects with mental health and violence• Commercial influences shape consumption patterns• Screening and brief interventions reduce harmful drinking• Public health approaches extend beyond individual responsibility

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