India Prime, India, Devendra Singh | The Global Cost of Alcohol: Health, Economy, and Human Lives Alcohol is the beverage that gives the body a special “intoxication,” because it contains a chemical called ethanol (alcohol). In Sanskrit, alcohol is called “Madhya.” In Ayurveda, it was considered a stimulant and a toxic substance. Modern science considers it a central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant). Currently, the total global industry depends on alcohol, worth $1.5 trillion. Alcohol is not only a consumer product but also a permanent and highly profitable source of tax revenue for governments—whether in India, the USA, or Europe. India is worth mentioning because it ranks among the top 30 countries in alcohol consumption, but per‑person consumption is relatively low. However, by total population, it is among the top 3 globally—because India has a huge population.
The Global Cost of Alcohol: Health, Economy, and Human Lives
At the global level, according to WHO and Euromonitor data, 25–30% of alcohol sold worldwide is illicit or illegally sold. World‑wide, approximately 3 million (30 lakh) people die each year from alcohol‑related causes. According to WHO and several independent reports, about 100,000 to 150,000 people die annually from illicit, spurious, or poisonous alcohol. A glance at the numbers shows that the money governments earn from alcohol is three times less than what is spent handling its harmful effects. In India, for every ₹1 earned from alcohol, ₹2–3 must be spent to manage its social impact.
There are many reasons why people drink alcohol, and we can estimate the rough percentage based on data. Alcohol is the third most-used psychoactive substance in the world—after caffeine (tea, coffee) and tobacco, and is considered the deadliest. Out of the global population of 1.2 billion adults who consume alcohol, approximately 10%—about 120 million (12 crore)—drink alcohol daily; so roughly 5 million people consume alcohol every hour. The data is based on global studies (WHO, NIAAA, Global Burden of Disease Study) and India‑focused surveys (NFHS‑5, AIIMS, Ministry of Health). Globally, ~30–35% of adult men consume alcohol, while only ~12–15% of adult women do. That means 70–75% are men, and 25–30% are women among drinkers.
Men vs Women: Reasons for Drinking and Percentage
| Reason | Men (%) | Women (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social/cultural occasions | 40–45% | 30–35% | Men have more social freedom and approval |
| Stress/relief from anxiety | 20–25% | 30–35% | Women more often drink for emotional relief |
| Peer pressure | 20–25% | 15–18% | Youth‑oriented cause; slightly higher in men |
| Entertainment/pleasure | 15–20% | 10–12% | Men associate it with adventure/machismo |
| Habit/addiction | 10–15% | 6–8% | Men more likely to develop dependency |
| Curiosity/exploration | 6–8% | 5–6% | Women are relatively less curiosity-driven |
| Advertising/media influence | 5–7% | 4–5% | Both influenced; men targeted more |
According to WHO, World Bank, and Our World in Data (2023–2024 reports), here is the percentage of adult drinkers by country population share. In European countries, 80% of adults drink alcohol, due to culture, liberal laws, and limited control. In countries like India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, the percentage is lower, but the absolute number is higher because of large population. For example, in India only 15% drink alcohol, but that equals ~220 million (22 crore)—more than the entire population of France. Alcohol’s impact cannot be assessed just by “liters per person”; how many people drink and how they do it also matters.
Country-wise Percentage of Adult Drinkers (15+ age)
| Country | Total Population (2024 est.) | % Adults Who Drink Alcohol | Estimated Number of Drinkers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇿 Czech Rep. | ~11 million | 91% | ~9.9 million |
| 🇫🇷 France | ~67 million | 85% | ~57 million |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ~83 million | 87% | ~72 million |
| 🇷🇺 Russia | ~143 million | 75% | ~107 million |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | ~5 million | 88% | ~4.4 million |
| 🇬🇧 UK | ~68 million | 80% | ~54 million |
| 🇺🇸 USA | ~340 million | 63–65% | ~210–220 million |
| 🇮🇳 India | ~1.42 billion | ~14–16% (NFHS‑5) | ~200–220 million |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | ~17 million | <5% (mostly men) | ~5–8 million |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | ~27 million | ~3–4% | ~10 million |
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | ~22 million | ~10–12% | ~25 million |
Religious teachings often discourage alcohol consumption, but in practice culture, society, and regional traditions prevail. Among Christian and Jewish communities, alcohol use is socially accepted; while in Islam and Sikhism, the rules are strict though in some regions adherence is lax. Hinduism exhibits the greatest diversity—Brahmin communities may prohibit alcohol, while other castes/regions may accept it.
Global Alcohol Consumption by Religion (Estimated % of Adult Adherents Who Drink)
| Religion | Global Population (2024 est.) | % Who Drink Alcohol | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christianity | ~2.4 billion | ~70–75% | Mostly permitted; wine in church ceremonies |
| Islam | ~1.9 billion | ~4–6% (secret/illicit) | Prohibited entirely, though exceptions in countries like Turkey, Lebanon |
| Hinduism | ~1.2 billion | ~15–25% | Mixed view in scriptures; culturally diverse practices |
| Buddhism | ~500 million | ~20–30% | Theravada prohibits; Mahayana more lenient |
| Judaism | ~14 million | ~60–70% | Moderate for religious rituals (e.g., Sabbath, Passover) |
| Sikhism | ~30 million | ~5–8% (mainly Punjab) | Prohibited in doctrine; some usage in practice |
| Tribal/Indigenous Faiths | ~300 million (est.) | ~40–60% | Traditional liquor used in rituals |
Pew Research, WHO Reports, Gallup Polls, and religious scriptures are the basis for these figures.
According to WHO and experts, a “safe” amount of alcohol is defined under the principle: “Moderation is key.” The safe daily/weekly limits by gender are:
- Men: up to 2 drinks/day or 14 drinks/week
- Women: up to 1 drink/day or 7 drinks/week
One standard drink = 330 ml beer, 150 ml wine, or 30 ml whisky/vodka. The feeling of intoxication depends on blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
BAC and Effects
| BAC (%) | Effect |
|---|---|
| 0.03–0.06 | Mild intoxication, slight euphoria |
| 0.06–0.10 | Slurred speech, impaired thinking |
| 0.10–0.20 | Loss of balance and motor control |
| 0.20–0.30 | Confusion, memory loss |
| >0.30 | Unconsciousness, respiratory arrest, possible death |
Alcohol preference varies by country based on culture, climate, and tradition. European countries favor beer and wine (beer is the most consumed globally), while spirits (vodka, whisky, rum) are more popular in colder or emerging nations. In India and parts of Africa, local liquor is widespread among rural or low-income communities. In India, whisky (IMFL) is the most consumed alcohol—India is the world’s largest whisky consumer. Traditional drinks like Mahua, Tadi, Arrack are common in rural and low‑income areas. In the USA, beer is most popular, but whisky and wine are widely consumed too. Mexico is known for tequila, Brazil for cane‑based cachaça. Local or illicit alcohol remains common in many regions.
🇺🇸 United States (USA)
Myth: “Moderate drinking is good for the heart.”
Reality: This belief was linked to red wine in the 1990s (the “French Paradox”). But recent WHO and The Lancet studies have clarified that no amount of alcohol is safe.
Reasons:
- Lobbying by alcohol companies
- TV shows and movies portraying wine as “sophisticated”
- A culture of “cheers” and Happy Hours
🇬🇧 United Kingdom (UK)
Myth: “Drinking in pub culture is a part of life — not an addiction, just socializing.”
Reality: The UK has one of Europe’s highest rates of binge drinking, which harms mental health, causes road accidents, and reduces productivity.
Reasons:
- Pub and football culture
- Normalizing weekend binge drinking
- “Boys being boys” mentality as social acceptance
🇫🇷 France
Myth: “Red wine is good for digestion and the heart.”
Reality: While red wine contains antioxidants, the quantity is so small that drinking it can still be harmful.
Reasons:
- Wine’s central role in French cuisine
- Media and wine industry’s cultural influence
- The image of “French elegance”
🇨🇳 China
Myth: “Baijiu (Baijiu) is a mark of social and professional success.”
Reality: Baijiu often contains over 50% alcohol and may lead to liver disease and alcoholism; yet refusing it at business dinners is seen as disrespect.
Reasons:
- Drinking is considered a sign of respect at business dinners
- Culturally tied to masculinity
- Tradition of “Ganbei” (a drunken toast ritual)
🇯🇵 Japan
Myth: “Drinking with colleagues after work is part of the job.”
Reality: Japan’s “nomikai” (drinking gatherings) culture can exclude people who do not participate. This culture contributes to burnout, alcohol dependency, and mental fatigue.
Reasons:
- Rigid corporate work culture
- Pressure to maintain group harmony
- In-group drinking equals friendship and loyalty
🇷🇺 Russia
Myth: “Vodka is necessary to stay warm in cold weather.”
Reality: Although vodka may make you feel warm briefly, it actually lowers body temperature and reduces immunity.
Reasons:
- Historical tradition of drinking vodka in all seasons
- Seen as the only “support” in a cold climate
- Economic reliance on vodka industry since Soviet times
🇮🇳 India
Myths:
- “Desi (country) liquor is natural and therefore not harmful.”
- “Drinking is a measure of masculinity.”
Reality:
- Desi liquor is often contaminated with methanol or other poisonous substances, often causing blindness or death.
- Linking masculinity to alcohol leads to greater rates of domestic violence, road accidents, and suicide.
Reasons:
- Lack of awareness and education in rural areas
- Film culture glamorizing heroes with drinks in hand
- Social acceptance: “Every man drinks” mentality
🇧🇷 Brazil
Myth: “Cachaça (local rum) is traditional, so it must be safe.”
Reality: Home-brewed cachaça often follows no health standards, posing serious threats to health.
Reasons:
- Cultural pride
- Heavy use during festivals and celebrations
- Lack of proper regulation
Is Alcohol a Profitable Deal?
In nearly every developed and developing country, the cost of alcohol’s societal impact far exceeds what governments earn from it. The financial and health burden does not just lie in government budgets, but deeply in the public’s pockets and well‑being.
Comparison: Government Revenue vs Social Cost in Major Countries
| Country | Annual Government Income (USD) | Annual Social Cost (USD) | Balance (Profit/Loss) |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | $10–12 billion | ~$249 billion (health, accidents, crime) | ~20× more cost than revenue |
| UK | £12–14 billion | £27–30 billion/year | Costs over double revenue |
| France | €11–12 billion | €20–22 billion | Net loss |
| Germany | €14 billion | €40 billion+ | Heavy social cost |
| Canada | $10 billion | $15–20 billion | Clear deficit |
| India | ₹2.5 lakh crore+ (~$30+ billion USD) | ₹1.9–2.5 lakh crore | Still some gain, but shrinking |
| China | $20+ billion | ~$60 billion (cancer, liver, accidents) | Net loss |
| Australia | A$6 billion | A$15–20 billion | 3× more cost than revenue |
| Russia | $8–9 billion | ~$20 billion+ | Moderate loss |
| South Africa | $2 billion | $4.5 billion (WHO report) | Double loss |
