Chronic alcohol abuse is a risk factor for diseases of the liver, digestive and cardio-vascular system, certain types of cancer and accidental death, as well as being a direct cause of death by poisoning. The higher the level of consumption, the higher the overall mortality. The lowest risk has been found for an intake of one glass per day. The lower mortality among light to moderate drinkers is attributable to the lower risk of death from coronary heart disease. The higher mortality among heavy drinkers is due predominantly to suicide, murder, accidental injury and various diseases including liver cirrhosis, haemorrhagic stroke and cancers of the upper respiratory tract or gastrointestinal tract.

Drunkenness is the cause of 40-50% of deaths on the road, 25-35% of non-fatal car accidents, 64% of fires and burns, 48% of cases of hypothermia and frostbite, and approximately 20% of suicides. Even at blood alcohol levels below the legal limit, alcohol is implicated in 40% of falls and 50% of murders (victims or criminals).