The World Health Organization has just released a “Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health” which finds that 2.5 million people worldwide die each year from alcohol use. “Alcohol consumption is the world’s third largest risk factor for disease and disability; in middle-income countries, it is the greatest risk. Alcohol is a causal factor in 60 types of diseases and injuries and a component cause in 200 others. Almost 4% of all deaths worldwide are attributed to alcohol, greater than deaths caused by HIV/AIDS, violence or tuberculosis. Alcohol is also associated with many serious social issues, including violence, child neglect and abuse, and absenteeism in the workplace … Yet, despite all these problems, the harmful use of alcohol remains a low priority in public policy, including in health policy. Many lesser health risks have higher priority.”
LifeRing attempts to help individuals overcome alcohol and drug abuse and we know the personal toll addiction takes. It’s important to be aware of the bigger picture as well. See the report HERE.
Comments