Health and Mortality
According to the Alcohol Action Network (RASA), approximately 41,000 people in Mexico die annually from alcohol-related causes, equating to around 112 deaths per day. Six of the top ten leading causes of death in Mexico are linked to alcohol, including liver diseases, cardiovascular issues, and various cancers.
- Liver Diseases: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver diseases such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, and alcoholic hepatitis.
- Cardiovascular Issues: Heavy drinking increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
- Cancer: Alcohol consumption is associated with several types of cancer, including those of the mouth, esophagus, liver, colon, and breast.
Road Accidents
Alcohol consumption is strongly related to road safety issues. On average, there are about 47 traffic accidents daily on Mexican roads, with alcohol being a contributing factor in many of them.
In 2023, there were a total of 381,048 automobile accidents related to alcohol consumption, resulting in over 1,000 deaths per year. An estimated 24,000 people have died in alcohol-related automobile accidents.
Civil organizations report that excessive alcohol consumption is prevalent in Mexico, with more than 40% of adults admitting to excessive drinking. Clinical studies estimate that around 13.6% of the population shows signs of alcohol abuse or dependence.
Stronger Public Policies
Experts believe that a national alcohol policy is necessary to regulate the availability, advertising, and sale of alcoholic beverages. Lack of regulation encourages harmful consumption and jeopardizes public health, particularly among young people.
Civil society organizations advocate for increased enforcement, stricter driving-under-the-influence laws, and preventive campaigns to reduce both alcohol-related deaths and social damage caused by alcoholism.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is World Sober Day? World Sober Day is an initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the harmful effects of alcohol consumption and promote a culture of responsibility.
- Why is alcohol consumption a significant issue in Mexico? Alcohol-related deaths account for approximately 41,000 fatalities annually in Mexico, with six of the top ten leading causes of death linked to alcohol consumption. Moreover, alcohol is a contributing factor in numerous traffic accidents.
- What are the health risks associated with alcohol consumption? Alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver diseases, cardiovascular issues, and various cancers.
- How does alcohol impact road safety in Mexico? Alcohol is a factor in around 47 traffic accidents daily on Mexican roads, leading to numerous deaths and injuries each year.
- What measures are being proposed to address the issue? Experts and civil society organizations advocate for stricter regulations on alcohol availability, advertising, and sale, as well as increased enforcement of driving-under-the-influence laws and preventive campaigns.
