Press

New Global Report Confirms Decline in Alcohol-Related Harms

20% drop in alcohol-attributable deaths underscores progress but highlights need for continued action 
Most countries on-track to meet 2030 targets
 
Wednesday 17 September 2025 – Today, the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) publishes its Progress Report: Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol-Related Harm, based on the latest comprehensive World Health Organization (WHO) data.

The report confirms that meaningful progress has been made in reducing alcohol-related harm. New analysis by IARD reveals that 113 countries (62% of members with available data) have already met, or are on-track to meet, the UN’s 2030 targets according to at least one indicator.

Measurable improvements on key health indicators have been recorded between 2010-2019:
 
  • Alcohol-attributable deaths fell by 20.2% globally
  • Alcohol-related morbidity declined by 17.4% worldwide
  • Alcohol consumption per capita and heavy episodic drinking also declined (by 3.5% and 3.4%, respectively), though more unevenly across regions
This positive outlook is reinforced by data published by the WHO in 2025 which it said showed “remarkable progress”. It found that total alcohol per capita consumption (APC) declined by 12% between 2010 and 2022. The WHO noted that if this rate of reduction is maintained, the world will meet the WHO’s target to reduce APC by 20% by 2030 from 2010 levels.

Reflecting on the data, Julian Braithwaite, President and CEO of IARD, said: “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. In the context of the UN’s upcoming High-Level Meeting on NCDs, this is encouraging progress.

“The UN strategy is working because it recognises that moderate consumption is not the problem and focuses on tackling the root cause of alcohol harms – the harmful use of alcohol. But progress is uneven and more can be done to reduce the harms associated with irresponsible drinking.

“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.”

IARD is a science-based organisation and maintains one of the most extensive online resources on peer-reviewed, published alcohol research, drawing on more than two decades of data, with some entries dating back to 1870. In addition to this 2025 Progress Report, IARD also recently released an updated review of 23 meta-analyses published in peer-reviewed journals over the past 25 years on alcohol and all-cause mortality. It found that:
 
  • 19 of 23 studies found a statistically significant lower risk of death for light-to-moderate drinkers compared to non-drinkers
  • All 23 studies found no increased overall risk for light-to-moderate drinking compared to abstinence
  • The remaining 4 studies were conducted by the same group of authors
 
Jennifer Tujague, Chief Scientist and Senior Vice President, Science and Research at IARD commented: “Our 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 even when we looked only at studies that controlled for former drinkers. Consuming alcohol beverages is not risk-free and individual risk depends on many factors, including age, sex, heath status, family history, and lifestyle.”
 
Julian Braithwaite said: “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.”
 
IARD and its members will continue to work with governments, civil society, and partners worldwide to reduce harmful drinking and promote understanding of responsible, moderate consumption.
 
ENDS

For media inquiries, please contact:
iardmedia@edelman.com and Rodrigo de Casas – rdecasas@iard.org
 
About IARD
The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to reducing harmful drinking and promoting understanding of responsible drinking. We are supported by the leading global beer, wine, and spirits producers, who have come together for a common purpose: to be part of the solution in combating harmful drinking. To advance this shared mission, IARD works and partners with public sector, civil society, and private stakeholders. www.iard.org​

IARD’s members are AB InBev, Asahi, Bacardi, Brown-Forman, Carlsberg, Diageo, Heineken, Kirin, Moët Hennessy, Molson Coors Beverage Company, Pernod Ricard, Suntory Global Spirits, and William Grant & Sons. Associate members: The Coca-Cola Company and LOTTE Chilsung Beverage.

International Alliance for Responsible Drinking

© 2021 International Alliance for Responsible Drinking
IARD’s members and the members of its Partnership Council are a diverse group of organizations with a variety of viewpoints. They might not necessarily agree on all or any subjects. Any statements, findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed on this website do not reflect the policies or views of all IARD members or the organizations they represent, unless explicitly stated. However, all members agree on and support IARD’s mission of reducing the harmful use of alcohol.
The resources on this website are not intended as health advice to individuals about their drinking. People with specific questions about their drinking are encouraged to consult a healthcare professional. Together, they can determine what is best for that individual, based on individual risk factors, including family history, genetics, and lifestyle. For some people, the better choice may be to not drink at all.