In a recent report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Substance Abuse Day, alarming statistics reveal the extent of alcohol dependency among the Albanian population aged 15 and above.
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| A man resting his head on the table while holding a small empty alcohol glass in one hand and three empty glasses at the side |
Globally, the latest data from 2019 shows that Europe has the highest alcohol consumption rate, averaging 9.2 liters per person per year, according to WHO. Albania specifically stands out with 50.2% of its population being consumers of alcohol. Of particular concern is the high alcohol consumption among young adults, with 22% of those aged 15-19 being consumers.
On average, Albanians consume 5.1 liters of pure alcohol per capita annually. There is a notable gender difference, with males consuming an average of 8.4 liters per year compared to females who consume 1.9 liters annually.
Regarding preferred alcoholic beverages, beer holds the highest consumption rate at 39.6%, followed closely by spirits at 34.1%, and wine at 24.5%.
Experts express significant concern over the impact of alcohol on health and mortality rates. In Albania, alcohol is a direct cause in 4.2% of all deaths, highlighting its detrimental effects on public health. Globally, alcohol consumption contributes to approximately 2.6 million deaths annually.
Efforts to address alcohol abuse in Albania include public health campaigns, regulatory measures, and education initiatives aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm and promoting healthier lifestyles.
The data underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to tackle alcohol dependency and mitigate its devastating consequences on public health in Albania.