Stavrianopoulos Theodosios
Background: Alcohol consumption has been linked to several injuries such as motor vehicle crashes, falls, drowning, fires and burns, and violence. Despite the many efforts and the implementation of health policies at both community and national level, the burden of alcohol-related injuries, especially among young people, is still unacceptably high in many European Union (EU) countries. Aim: The aim of the present study was review the literature about the risks of alcohol and the effective preventive practices. Method and Material: Method was used is to search in several databases (MEDLINE, SCOPUS,EMBASE, CINAHL,COHRANE) to identify articles related to the risks of alcohol. We also obtained relevant statistical information from the World Health Organization’s internet database and the National Health and Medical Research Council’s of Australia internet database. Results: The risk factors of alcohol classified on demographic risk factors, environmental risk factors, and behavioural risk factors. A higher proportion of deaths due to alcohol are detected in younger people. At an age of death of between 15 and 29 years, 27% of all deaths occurring in men and 11% of all deaths occurring in women are due to alcohol. Although in the EU-15, alcohol is responsible for 29% of all male injuries and 19% of all female injuries, in the central and eastern European countries, the proportions are 38% and 29%, and in the three Baltic states 48% and 42% respectively. The role of alcohol in aggression may differ between the sexes. Additionally, alcohol is a significant contributor to between-partner violence. Conclusion: Alcohol is a risk factor for many adverse health outcomes, including injuries and deaths. Nevertheless, a considerable body of evidence shows that alcohol policies and interventions can have a protective effect and reduce the overall level of alcohol - related problems.
