WHO: Alcohol kills 1 in 20 people worldwide

Most people know that drinking is not good for them, but they may not know how bad it is. In fact, alcohol consumption is responsible for one in every 20 deaths worldwide each year, according to a report released Friday by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Globally, the harmful use of alcohol kills up to 3 million people a year, representing 5% of the global disease burden. Most of those who die of alcohol – more than 75% – are men.

According to the report, alcohol-related disorders are highest in the richest countries. It is estimated that 237 million men and 46 million women suffer from alcohol-related problems, the highest prevalence in Europe, where alcohol consumption affects 14.8% of men and women. 3.5% of women. The Americas follow the European regions with 11.5% of men and 5.1% of women suffering from alcohol abuse and other conditions resulting from alcohol abuse.

The study also analyzes the types of conditions associated with alcohol-related deaths. For example, 28% of alcohol-related deaths were related to injuries. 21% were due to digestive diseases and 19% to cardiovascular diseases. Other related causes include cancers, infectious diseases, mental health disorders, and other conditions commonly associated with excessive drinking and alcoholism.

In August, a medical review study explained that Americans are generally over-alcoholic. The authors of the study concluded that there was no safe or healthy drinking.