Alcohol consumption and especially its abuse is one of the manifestations of an unhealthy lifestyle and is a problem for most countries in the world, including Europe. In addition to causing dependence, alcohol use causes various mental, neurological, somatic diseases and is a risk factor for a number of socially significant diseases. Alcohol abuse leads to various diseases, disability and premature death.

Alcohol consumption can range from abstinence or moderate consumption to excessive consumption, and alcohol-related problems can range from none to significant or severe. The sensitivity of individuals to alcohol is different – damage can occur with small doses, but not with larger doses.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol is the third most important risk factor (RF) for health (out of 26 RF) and is responsible for 3.3 million deaths, which is 5.9% of all deaths and 5.1% of the global burden of disease. The highest levels of alcohol consumption continue to be measured in developed countries, particularly in the European region.

In recent decades, the problem of risky and harmful alcohol use has deepened and is in the center of attention of developed countries and societies. According to NSI data, over the past 15 years, the country has seen a significant increase (by 12.1 liters) in the consumption of alcoholic beverages, on average per person in a household, and the costs of alcoholic beverages (as absolute values) have increased significantly.

Taking into account the global tendency to increase alcohol consumption and its accompanying harmful consequences, adequate measures should be taken to limit alcohol abuse on a national scale.

*The cited data are from the Guide to good practice of medical professionals to limit alcohol abuse among the population of the Ministry of Health and the National Center for Public Health and Analysis https://ncpha.government.bg/uploads/pages/125.pdf

* Alcohol in the European Union - Consumption, harm and policy approaches -World Health Organization and the European Commission https://ec.europa.eu/health/alcohol_europe_en.pdf