Average alcohol consumption per capita across OECD countries reached 8.5 litres of pure alcohol in 2023, according to a new report. The OECD’s Health at a Glance 2025 highlights significant variations in drinking habits across nations and raises concerns about the impact of alcohol on public health, particularly regarding cancer rates and early alcohol initiation. These figures paint a complex picture of evolving drinking patterns globally.
While overall consumption has generally decreased over the last decade, certain countries are bucking the trend. Romania, Portugal, and Latvia reported the highest levels of alcohol intake, exceeding 11.5 litres annually. Conversely, Greece registered the lowest consumption among EU nations, at 6.6 litres per capita. The report studied data from 2013 to 2023 to analyze these trends.
Rising Cancer Rates Linked to Alcohol Consumption
The European Union stands out as the region with the heaviest alcohol consumption worldwide, a concerning fact given the World Health Organization’s recent designation of cancer as the leading cause of death within the EU. Experts have long established a link between drinking and increased risk for several types of cancer, including those of the mouth, throat, liver, colon, and breast. This association underscores the need for public health interventions.
According to the OECD report, roughly 27% of individuals aged 15 and older across its member countries admit to engaging in episodes of heavy drinking – consuming large quantities of alcohol in a short period – at least once a month. This behaviour was most prevalent in Greece, Ireland and Sweden, with over 40% of individuals reporting such occurrences. Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia demonstrated the lowest rates of binge drinking.
Trends in Underage Drinking
Alongside overall consumption data, the report also investigated alcohol use among younger populations. The share of 11-year-olds who have consumed alcohol has seen a slight increase, rising from 4% to 5% between 2018 and 2022 across OECD countries. More significantly, 15% of 13-year-olds reported recent alcohol use.
Data from the EU reveals that in the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania, 10% or more of 11-year-olds have reported having a drink. This early initiation of alcohol use is particularly alarming, as research suggests it can contribute to worsened mental health outcomes, cognitive decline, and increased alcohol dependence in adulthood.
Furthermore, a substantial number of 15-year-olds report frequent intoxication; in Denmark, Hungary, and Bulgaria, over 35% admitted to getting drunk regularly. Portugal, on the other hand, showed a much lower rate, with less than 10% reporting similar experiences.
Gender Differences in Drinking Patterns
While the overall prevalence of lifetime drunkenness among adolescents is decreasing on average across the OECD, the report highlights a concerning shift. The decline has largely stabilized among boys, holding steady at around 22% between 2019 and 2022. However, there’s been a reversal of the trend for girls, with the rate increasing from 19% in 2018 to 22% in 2022.
Despite this rising trend among girls, the data indicates that in 25 EU countries, a higher proportion of boys continue to report experiences with intoxication than girls. This suggests ongoing disparities in drinking behaviours based on gender, which require further investigation.
Several nations are actively implementing strategies to address problematic drinking, particularly among minors. These include regulations to limit alcohol availability and stricter controls on advertising. Belgium, for example, recently enacted a new Alcohol Action Plan 2023-2025 which prohibits alcohol sales through vending machines and at motorway service stations during nighttime hours, as well as in hospitals. This demonstrates a proactive approach to public health.
The latest OECD findings provide a crucial snapshot of alcohol consumption trends and related health concerns. Observing the evolving strategies implemented by countries like Belgium will be key to understanding effective approaches to reducing harm. Individuals and policymakers alike should stay informed about these trends to promote responsible drinking habits and prioritize public health initiatives.
