WHO Reports Over 3 Million Annual Deaths from Alcohol and Drugs

Men and young adults are disproportionately affected, with significant health and social consequences worldwide.

Alcohol accounts for 2.6 million deaths annually, while psychoactive drugs cause 600,000 deaths.
Men constitute the majority of these deaths, with 2 million from alcohol and 400,000 from drug use.
Noncommunicable diseases, injuries, and communicable diseases are major causes of alcohol-related deaths.
Heavy episodic drinking is prevalent, especially among young adults aged 20-39 years.
Access to treatment for substance use disorders remains low, with urgent calls for improved prevention and care.