Alcohol remains one of the most commonly used psychoactive substances in Europe. Despite being a major risk factor for burden of disease, with substantial impacts not only on individual drinkers but also on the broader society, alcohol consumption in Europe continues to be almost double the global average.

In 2011, the WHO European Region adopted the European action plan to reduce the harmful use of alcohol 2012–2020 (EAPA).

This report provides a snapshot of alcohol consumption, alcohol-related harm and alcohol policy responses in 30 European countries – European Union Member States, Norway...

Almost every organ system is affected by alcohol. Drinking in moderation may cause problems to one's body, and drinking heavily over the years can cause irreversible damage. However, most diseases caused by excessive drinking can be prevented.

The NIAAA interactive body resource allows you to explore how alcohol impacts the organs within our body.

The negative impact of harmful substance use on societies physical and mental wellbeing is a global issue. Substance use disorders are associated with a significant disease burden.

In recognition of this, Addiction is initiating a new series of commissioned reviews, Clinical issues: substance use disorders and the body.

The first in the series, Alcohol use disorders and the heart, gives an overview of the impact of low, medium and high levels of alcohol consumption on the heart. 

The researchers also focus in on the clinical presentation, pathological mechanisms, assessment, management and...

Both alcohol and tobacco use is an increasing public health concern in low- or middle-income countries. Due to an annual economic growth rate of approximately 10%, Ethiopia is a target for both the alcohol and tobacco industries.

Although data is limited, trends suggest that alcohol consumption is a particular problem among secondary school students.

A recent study, published in the Journal of Public Health, has sought to measure the prevalence of alcohol and tobacco consumption in young people living in Ethiopia, and the risk factors associated with alcohol and tobacco initiation.

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Although alcohol consumption among young people in the UK has been declining there remains a concerning level of binge drinking amongst 16–24-year-olds.

One intervention, that is cost-effective and has a wide reach, is the inclusion of health messaging and product-related information on alcohol packaging. It is important therefore to understand how much information is being processed and recalled by young people.

A cross-sectional study, published in the Journal of Public Health, has examined awareness and recall of product information among adolescents and young adults aged 11–19 years old...