EUFAS on alcohol

Alcohol remains one of Europe’s biggest public health challenges. More than 800,000 Europeans die each year from alcohol-related causes, while many more are affected through mental illness, injuries, cancer, liver disease, family problems, and lost productivity. Although effective policies such as taxation, sales restrictions, and advertising limits can reduce harm, these measures often face opposition from the alcohol industry. At the same time, only a small proportion of people with Alcohol Use Disorder receive treatment. This article argues for a dual strategy: stronger population-level prevention and better access to evidence-based treatment. Combining both approaches could substantially reduce alcohol-related harm and save lives.