According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 3.3 million deaths in 2012 were the result of the harmful use of alcohol. Not only can alcohol abuse lead to death, but it can also increase the risk of developing more than 200 diseases, including but not limited to some forms of cancer, cirrhosis, tuberculosis, and pneumonia. Furthermore, alcohol use can lead to violence and related injuries.
Treatment Options
While many people believe that overcoming alcohol or drug abuse is a lonely road, the fact of the matter is that there are plenty of rehab facilities throughout the world that are willing to provide assistance.
Did you know there are 1.7 beds per 100,000 people available for the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse? This may not sound like a large number, but it shows that there is professional treatment available to those who need it the most.
Here are several other statistics to consider:
- 62 percent of adults were able to abstain from alcohol use over the past year
- 34 percent of World Health Organization member states have reported having a national alcohol policy
- Estimates show that 230 million people used an illicit drug at least one time in 2010
While the World Health Organization, along with many others, continues to do its part in fighting against the abuse of drugs and alcohol, everybody has to make their own decisions.
Since 1948, the World Health Organization has been supporting countries to reduce problems and prevent the abuse of drugs and alcohol. Despite the overwhelming statistics detailed above, this organization has made up a lot of ground over the years and continues to help countries throughout the world improve in this area.
