Drinking alcoholic beverages is a common feature of social gatherings

In many parts of the world, drinking alcoholic beverages is a common feature of social gatherings. Nevertheless,

the consumption of alcohol carries a risk of adverse health and social consequences related to its intoxicating, toxic and dependence-producing properties.

In addition to the chronic diseases that may develop in those who drink large amounts of alcohol over a number of years, alcohol use is also associated with an increased risk of acute health conditions, such as injuries, including from traffic accidents.

Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health 2011 The Global status report on alcohol and health (2011) presents a comprehensive perspective on the global, regional and country consumption of alcohol, patterns of drinking, health consequences and policy responses in Member States. It represents a continuing effort by the World Health Organization (WHO) to support Member States in collecting information in order to assist them in their efforts to reduce the harmful use of alcohol, and its health and social consequences. The report was launched in Geneva on Friday 11 Februray 2011 during the first meeting of the WHO global counterparts for implementation of the global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol