Global Report Shows 20% Drop In Alcohol-Related Deaths, But Progress Remains Uneven

A sweeping new analysis confirms that global efforts to reduce harmful drinking are beginning to pay off, with alcohol-related deaths down by one-fifth over the past decade.

The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) published its Progress Report: Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol-Related Harm, drawing on the most recent World Health Organization (WHO) data. The findings show that 113 countries — 62% of those with available data — have either already met or are on track to meet the United Nations 2030 targets to curb alcohol-related harm.

Between 2010 and 2019, alcohol-attributable deaths dropped by 20.2% worldwide, while alcohol-related morbidity fell by 17.4%. Global per capita consumption decreased by 3.5% during the same period, and rates of heavy episodic drinking declined by 3.4%.

The WHO reinforced this positive trend in its 2025 report, which documented a 12% decline in alcohol consumption per capita between 2010 and 2022. If that pace continues, the world will reach the target of a 20% reduction by 2030. The agency called the progress “remarkable.”

“This report shows that global efforts to reduce harmful drinking are working, with WHO data confirming the world is on track to meet the 20% alcohol per capita reduction target by 2030,” said Julian Braithwaite, President and CEO of IARD. “In the context of the UNs upcoming High-Level Meeting on NCDs, this is encouraging progress.”

He noted that while the UNs strategy is effective because it targets the harmful use of alcohol rather than moderate drinking, results vary widely across regions.

“Progress is uneven and more can be done to reduce the harms associated with irresponsible drinking,” Braithwaite said. “IARD and its members will continue to advance safeguards in digital marketing, age verification, and cross-industry coalitions to tackle harmful drinking and help adults make informed choices about alcohol consumption.”

The report also highlighted recent scientific findings about alcohol and long-term health risks. IARD released a visual review of 23 meta-analyses published over the past 25 years on alcohol and all-cause mortality. Of those studies, 19 found a statistically significant lower risk of death among light-to-moderate drinkers compared with non-drinkers. The remaining four found no increased overall risk for moderate consumption.

“Our systematic review found no evidence of an increased risk of death associated with light-to-moderate alcohol consumption compared with not drinking alcohol in the 23 meta-analyses published in the past 25 years, including studies that controlled for former drinking,” said Jennifer Tujague, Chief Scientist and Senior Vice President, Science and Research at IARD. “Consuming alcohol beverages is not risk-free and individual risk depends on many factors, including age, sex, health status, family history, and lifestyle.”

IARD said its members would continue to work with governments and global partners to “reduce harmful drinking and promote understanding of responsible, moderate consumption.”

“This evidence underscores the need for a balanced, science-based conversation and for clear, accurate information so adults who choose to drink can make informed choices,” Braithwaite said.