Alcohol has been identified as a leading risk factor for death and disability globally, accounting for 3.8% of death and 4.6% of disability adjusted life years (DALYs) lost in 2004([15]; see also [5])Alcohol was found to be the 8th highest risk factor for death in 2004 (5th in middle-income countries and 9th in high-income countries). In terms of DALYs lost in 2004, alcohol ranked 3rd highest (1st in middle-income countries, 8th highest in low-income countries and 2nd highest in high-income countries). In terms of NCDs, alcohol has been particularly linked to cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and liver disease.
