💀 Alcohol: Legal, Social… and Surprisingly Harmful

"Although legal and socially accepted, alcohol remains one of the most harmful substances to health and society: it causes millions of deaths each year, increases the risk of serious illnesses, and may be more harmful globally than many illegal drugs."

📊 The global impact of alcohol

A seminal study, “Alcohol and Mortality: Global Alcohol-Attributable Deaths From Cancer, Liver Cirrhosis, and Injury in 2010,” reveals chilling figures:

• 1,500,000 alcohol-attributable deaths in 2010
• 319,500 women
• 1,180,500 men
• ≈ 51.9 million years of potential life lost
• Main causes:
• Cancer: ~337,400 deaths
• Liver cirrhosis: ~493,300 deaths
• Injuries and accidents: ~669,300 deaths

These data show that, although socially accepted, alcohol has a devastating impact on individual and collective health.

⚠️ Alcohol and other drugs

Although some illegal drugs are more potent and dangerous in individual doses, alcohol stands out due to its widespread social reach and frequency of consumption:

• Studies such as Drug Harms in the UK: A Multicriteria Decision Analysis (2007 and 2010) show that alcohol ranks among the highest in terms of overall harm, combining effects on the consumer and harm to others.
• At the population level, alcohol can be more harmful than many illegal drugs due to:
• Chronic diseases (liver, cancer, cardiovascular)
• Accidents and injuries
• Violence and social problems

The perception of “safe moderation” often underestimates the real risks of alcohol, which accumulate over the long term.

🔹 5 reasons to stop drinking alcohol

1. Protect your liver: prevent fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
2. Reduce your risk of cancer: increase the risk of breast, liver, colon, esophageal, and oral cancers.
3. Improve your mental and emotional health: reduce anxiety and depression, and improve mental clarity.
4. Boost your energy and sleep quality: restore deep rest and concentration.
5. Increase your longevity: decrease the risk of premature death from illness and accidents.

“Don’t underestimate what you drink: alcohol can be more harmful than you think.”

💡 Final reflection

Alcohol is legal and socially accepted, but its impact on public and personal health is profound. Even compared to illicit drugs, its widespread use makes it a leading cause of illness, death, and social harm.

Taking a mindful approach to alcohol can improve your physical, mental, and emotional health, and help you live longer, healthier lives.

"Millions of deaths every year and risks that surpass many illegal drugs: learn the truth about alcohol."

You can also watch the video on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRkXTFOiniW/