Alcohol is undoubtedly the most commonly used psychoactive substance in the world. Due to its wide availability and social acceptance, this substance is sometimes placed on par with nicotine and often with caffeine. In reality, however, alcohol is a far more dangerous substance, as it is highly addictive and causes high mortality among drinkers. What is alcohol consumption like in Europe and in Poland? How can one effectively deal with addiction to this substance?
TL;DR
Alcohol is the most commonly used psychoactive substance in the world, strongly affecting the nervous system, cognitive abilities, and physical health. Excessive drinking leads to personality changes, risky behaviors, and the development of over 200 diseases – mainly of the liver, heart, and pancreas. In the European Union, 8.4% of adults drink daily; the most in Portugal (20%), while in Poland only 1.6%. The most alcohol is consumed in the Czech Republic (14.45 l annually), and Poles drink an average of 11.7 l of pure alcohol per year (men 18.4 l, women 5.6 l). In Poland, about 700–900 thousand people are addicted to alcohol, and over 2 million abuse alcohol. The most effective way to treat alcoholism is therapy in a professional center with an individual approach and specialist care.Alcohol – The Most Popular Substance in the World
Alcohol is the most popular substance in the world. This substance strongly affects the human central nervous system. It slows down the transmission of electrical impulses, leading to relaxation and a sense of satisfaction. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause personality changes. Drinking individuals often make hasty decisions and tend toward risky, potentially dangerous behaviors. They experience impaired cognitive functions, become impulsive and aggressive. Alcohol abuse causes serious consequences for both mental and physical health. This substance leads to the development of many serious diseases and conditions, impairing the normal functions of most organs, primarily the liver, pancreas, and heart. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol influences the development of over 200 types of diseases and ranks third among health risk factors. Read also: Alcohol Delirium – How Long Does It Last and What to Do?How Do Europeans Drink?
According to a report presented by Eurostat, as many as 8.4% of the adult population of the European Union consumes alcohol daily. 28.8% of people reach for a glass once a week, and 22.8% once a month. 26.2% of all adult Europeans did not consume alcohol even once during the year. Interestingly, both the highest percentage of people drinking daily and those maintaining complete abstinence are in the same age group – 75 years and older – at 16% and 40% respectively. Higher alcohol consumption in Europe concerns men.Daily Alcohol Consumption
The most people drinking alcohol daily are in Portugal – as many as one-fifth of all citizens of this country reach for a glass every day. Spain takes second place, and Italy third, where 13% and 12% of the population drink daily, respectively. For comparison, in Poland only 1.6% of citizens reach for alcohol every day.Heavy Drinking
Heavy drinking is defined as consuming a single dose of 60g of pure ethanol. At least once a month, 38% of Danes admitted to episodes of this type. This country ranks first in the heavy drinking ranking. The remaining podium spots are occupied by Romania and Luxembourg. In Poland, 17% of adults drink heavily. Use our services:Where in Europe Is the Most Alcohol Consumed?
The average European resident drinks 11.4 liters of pure alcohol per year. This means that average alcohol consumption in Europe is significantly higher than the global average alcohol consumption of 6.18 liters per year. According to data collected by the World Health Organization (WHO), the European country where residents drink the most is the Czech Republic. An adult citizen of this country consumes an average of 14.45 liters of pure alcohol per year, which is almost two bottles of wine weekly. The following European countries in the ranking are Lithuania, Germany, Ireland, and, closing the top five, Latvia. Women in Poland drink an average of only 5.6 liters of alcohol per year.How Much Do Poles Drink?
Contrary to popular belief, alcohol consumption in Poland compared to other European countries is not the highest. According to research conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), one Pole accounts for an average of 11.7 liters of pure alcohol per year. This amount corresponds to drinking 4.5 liters of beer or 2.4 bottles of wine weekly and places Poland in fourteenth place among European countries with the highest alcohol consumption. It's worth noting that statistics regarding the consumption of alcoholic beverages differ dramatically depending on gender. Men consume an average of 18.4 liters of pure alcohol per year, while women only 5.6 liters.Alcoholism Statistics in Poland
According to statistics presented by the State Agency for Solving Alcohol Problems (PARPA), alcoholism affects about 700–900 thousand people in Poland. The number of Poles who abuse alcohol, however, is even more than twice as high – it is estimated that this problem affects more than two million citizens of the country on the Vistula. To put these numbers in perspective, it's worth noting that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcoholism worldwide affects even 140 million people, and about 285 million suffer from the consequences of alcohol abuse. Read also: DDD Syndrome – What Does It Mean and What Symptoms Does It Cause?Alcohol Therapy – The Most Effective Method for Overcoming Alcoholism
The most effective method for overcoming alcoholism is undergoing alcohol therapy in a professional addiction treatment center. Facilities of this type employ highly qualified and experienced psychotherapists, psychologists, doctors, and psychiatrists who deal with developing and implementing treatment programs and comprehensive patient care. Therapy in a rehabilitation center aims to improve the quality of life of the addicted person by changing their way of thinking, behaviors, and habits. The methods used are adapted to the individual needs and health condition of each patient. Treatment takes place in a controlled environment, under conditions of isolation of alcohol-dependent individuals from daily stresses and potential triggering factors. Before starting therapy, each patient undergoes a series of medical and laboratory tests that enable an accurate diagnosis of both physical and mental health.:::cta Need help fighting addiction? Our specialists are ready to help you. Call or schedule an online visit. Call: 880 808 880 | Schedule a visit :::
