European nations dominate global alcohol addiction statistics, with Hungary’s 21.2% prevalence rate leading worldwide, followed closely by Russia at 20.9% and Belarus at 18.8%. The Czech Republic shows concerning trends with highest consumption levels of 12.9 liters per capita annually. The global impact extends heroin addiction beyond mortality, as 400 million adults (7% of the world’s adult population) struggle with alcohol use disorders, including 209 million facing alcohol dependence.
ENJOYED THESE STATISTICS? DISCOVER MORE FROM THE WORLD OF FOOD AND DRINK:
- New research suggests trauma may leave biological “markers” that increase vulnerability to substance abuse in future generations.
- Dr. Hoffman has successfully treated hundreds of patients battling addiction.
- This process is often accompanied by medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
- Sober Speak is a recovery-focused podcast and online community dedicated to sharing people’s experiences, strengths, and hope in long-term sobriety and early recovery.
Utah has the second-highest rate of female alcohol-related deaths and has the highest percentage of deaths due to acute causes. Maine has one of the nation’s lowest rates of under-21 alcohol-related deaths. Louisiana has the nation’s highest rate of under-21 drinkers among its alcohol-related deaths.
Prevention Initiatives
The societal toll of alcohol addiction underscores the importance of prevention and treatment efforts. Educating ourselves and others about alcoholism can break the stigma and encourage those struggling to seek help. There’s hope, and with the right support, a healthier, Alcoholism Statistics happier life is possible. Stay informed, stay supportive, and never underestimate the power of compassion.

Alcohol & Your Health
- Kentucky is a statistical anomaly with a low rate of underage drinking deaths and a low rate of chronic causes.
- At the same time, liquor stores were deemed essential businesses, ensuring access even when most other venues were closed.
- If you or someone you know is struggling, there are effective and proven treatments available.
- Long-run data on alcohol consumption from the United States gives us one perspective of drinking since 1850.
Whether it’s detox, rehabilitation, or ongoing support, speaking to a medical professional or an addiction referral service like Rehabs UK is the first step towards recovery. Dr. Scott is a distinguished physician recognized for his contributions to psychology, internal medicine, and addiction treatment. He has received numerous accolades, including the AFAM/LMKU Kenneth Award for Scholarly Achievements in Psychology and multiple honors from the Keck School of Medicine at USC.
Canadian Substance Use Survey (CSUS): summary of results for 2023
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a condition that affects millions of people globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 3 million deaths occur each year due to harmful alcohol use. In the United States, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that over 14 million adults struggled with alcohol addiction in 2020. Addressing alcohol misuse involves a multifaceted approach that includes education, policy-making, and individual intervention. By understanding current statistics and trends, we can better tackle the challenges posed by alcoholism. Ongoing efforts in research and public health initiatives aim to mitigate its impact, ensuring healthier outcomes for future generations.
- The staggering scale of alcohol use disorders affects 400 million adults worldwide, representing 7% of the global population of 15 years and older.
- The risk of an alcohol use disorder is highest in individuals with intermittent explosive disorder, dysthymia, ODD, bipolar disorder, and social phobia.
- The impact of alcoholic beverages varies from one group to another based on their background.
- Programs may also link individuals with vital community resources, such as legal assistance, job training, childcare and parenting classes.
Alarming data shows women’s alcohol-related death rates accelerating 2.5 times faster than men’s, despite men’s higher overall mortality numbers. Combining alcohol with other depressants, such as opioids, is an especially high-risk activity. These substances, when mixed, can lead to respiratory depression and a heightened risk of overdose. New adults are at particular risk, often combining alcohol with marijuana, prescription medications and stimulants. Data on the country with the most alcohol-related deaths varies depending on whether you are looking at recorded alcohol consumption or estimates of unrecorded production and intake.
Treatment and Recovery
At the same time, liquor stores were deemed essential businesses, ensuring access even when most other venues were closed. This combination allowed high-risk drinking habits to flourish in home settings, where oversight and moderation were less likely. Understanding how alcohol misuse breaks down by age group is important because interventions can then be more precisely targeted.

Regional Hotspots and Country-Specific Data
Alcohol-related deaths in Vermont are average, but under-21 deaths are among the lowest nationwide. Oregon’s alcohol-related deaths are among the nation’s oldest, with chronic abuse the most significant cause of death. New York has the third-lowest number of alcohol-related deaths per capita among all U.S. states.
This information was collected through interviews, surveys, and focus groups. Point estimates and the corresponding variances for this analysis were calculated using SUDAAN software (5) to account for the complex sample design of NHIS. Tests for quadratic trends by age were evaluated using orthogonal polynomials.
