ABSTRACT

Alcohol is part of the social and cultural fabric of Judeo-Christian societies and the most widely used psychoactive drug in the world. It is actively promoted in many cultural, social and religious circumstances, and assists in supporting national economies through taxation. Public-health problems associated with alcohol consumption have reached alarming proportions, and alcohol has become one of the most important risks to health globally. Alcohol consumption can not only lead to alcohol use disorder and dependence but it also enhances an individual’s risk of developing more than 200 diseases including liver cirrhosis and some cancers, and makes people more susceptible to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. In addition, the impact of alcohol misuse has other health and psychosocial consequences including alcohol related injuries, crime and violence, teenage pregnancy, loss of workplace productivity and homelessness.