Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health: Unveiling the Latest Trends, Burden, Policy Responses, and Treatment Capacities Worldwide

The Global status report on alcohol and health and treatment of substance use disorders presents a comprehensive overview of alcohol consumption, related harm, policy responses, and treatment capacities worldwide. This report is a product of the World Health Organization (WHO), which collects data from its Member States and organizes it according to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) health target 3.5. This goal aims to improve the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including alcohol and drug use disorders.

The chapter on alcohol and health builds upon previous WHO reports by providing the latest information on global trends in alcohol consumption, as well as estimates on the burden of alcohol-related diseases. It also highlights policy responses implemented around the world to address these issues. Additionally, this report includes data from countries on treatment responses for substance use disorders, discussing key components of such treatments for both alcohol and drug use disorders.

One notable addition to this report is a proposed new service capacity index that will be used to monitor progress towards achieving SDG health target 3.5. This index will provide valuable information about how well countries are equipped to handle substance abuse issues, allowing policymakers to make informed decisions about resource allocation and other measures needed to support recovery efforts.

In conclusion, this report offers important recommendations for international action aimed at accelerating progress towards meeting the goals set out in SDG health target 3.5. By understanding the global landscape of substance abuse issues and implementing effective policies and treatment strategies, countries can work towards reducing the burden of these disorders and improving public health outcomes for all members of their communities.