ABSTRACT
Harmful use of alcohol is significantly associated with mortality and morbidity globally, including through NCDs, particularly cardiovascular disease and cancer. In addition, a significant socioeconomic burden results from the harmful use of alcohol. This chapter describes the disease burden attributable to alcohol use, the proportions of the disease burden attributable to alcohol use, trends in alcohol use, standard units on alcoholic drinks, the relationship between alcohol use and cardiovascular disease and different issues related to alcohol risk vs harmful use. It also describes interventions aimed at reducing alcohol consumption in the whole population and interventions available at the individual level, including several WHO best buys and the components of the WHO SAFER package. Indicators to monitor alcohol use and global targets are briefly described.
