Harmful alcohol use is increasing in the Americas

THE percentage of men who engage in heavy episodic drinking—the most harmful form of drinking—nearly doubled over five years, and the rate among women nearly tripled, according to a new PAHO/WHO reportWashington, DC (PAHO/WHO) – The first Regional Status Report on Alcohol and Health in the Americas was released Monday by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). The report warns that harmful use of alcohol increased in the Americas over a five-year period and recommends measures to limit availability, restrict marketing, and raise prices of alcohol by increasing taxes.

The percentage of men who engage in binge drinking in the Americas (four or five alcoholic drinks on one occasion at least once a month) rose from nearly 18% to 30% between 2005 and 2010, while the percentage among women increased from 4.6% to 13%. One in five (22%) current drinkers in the Region engages in heavy episodic drinking, notably higher than the global average (16%). The highest rates of harmful alcohol consumption in the Americas are found in Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Venezuela, and Trinidad and Tobago.