World Health Organization Rates High Alcohol Consuming Countries

The World Health Organization (WHO) released a 2014 report documenting which countries consume the most amount of alcohol to demonstrate how to monitor abuse and health consequences.

An interactive map was featured in Indy 100, showing a sliding scale range that represented countries consuming 0.10 liters (yellow) to 17.5 liters (red).

Alcoholic consumption is a common social practice in many parts of the world, yet WHO reminds us of the dangers associated with excessive drinking and is on a mission to support Member States in collecting global, regional, and country data on the patterns and consequences of alcohol. 3.3 million deaths in 2012 were due to the negative effects of alcohol.

The consumption of alcohol carries a risk of adverse health and social consequences related to its intoxicating, toxic and dependence-producing properties.

According to the WHO website, the report was released on May 12, 2014, in Geneva "during the second meeting of the global network of WHO national counterparts for implementation of the global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol."

The website states that alcohol can make people susceptible to "infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia."

Alcohol consumption can not only lead to dependence but also increases people's risk of developing more than 200 diseases including liver cirrhosis and some cancers. In addition, harmful drinking can lead to violence and injuries.

The data reflects recorded and unrecorded alcohol per capita consumption in liters of pure alcohol consumed by those over the age of 15.

Belarus ranked the highest out of all the Eastern European countries with an APC of 17.5 liters among both sexes. The Republic of Moldova followed with 16.8 liters, then Lithuania with 15.4 liters, and Russia at 15.1 liters.

Azerbaijan ranked the lowest APC with 2.3 liters.

In comparison, the U.S. data showed both sexes consumed 9.2 liters. But Grenada was the country that reflected the highest APC in the Americas. Grenadians had the APC of 12.5 liters.

Out of the Western Pacific, the Republic of Korea had the highest APC of 12. 3, barely edging out Australia with 12.2 liters, followed by New Zealand at 10.9 liters. Malaysia ranked lowest with 1.3 liters.

Dr. Oleg Chestnov, WHO Assistant Director-General for Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, said:

More needs to be done to protect populations from the negative health consequences of alcohol consumption. The report clearly shows that there is no room for complacency when it comes to reducing the harmful use of alcohol.

Some countries initiated measures to protect people from alcohol abuse by raising alcohol taxes, limiting the availability of alcohol to consumers by raising the allowable drinking age and regulating the marketing of alcoholic beverages.

Italy enforced their own policy to control alcohol consumption.

Meanwhile, cannabis catches a stigma break.

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H/T - Twitter, Indy100, WHO