Long-term effects of alcohol

There has been little or no progress on reducing alcohol consumption and harms in Europe, according to the World Health Organization. Based on the latest available data from 2019, the WHO European Region, covering 53 Member States across Europe and Central Asia, has the unfortunate distinction of consuming the highest amount of alcohol per capita in the world.  

Fifteen words are roiling the global alcohol industry.

Beginning in 2026, containers of beer, wine and liquor sold in Ireland will be required by law to bear a label in red capital letters with two warnings: "There Is a Direct Link Between Alcohol and Fatal Cancers" and "Drinking Alcohol Causes Liver Disease."

Women of childbearing age should be banned from drinking alcohol, says the World Health Organisation.

Its latest Global Alcohol Action Plan calls on countries to raise awareness of alcohol-related harm and its harmful use.