A World Health Organization perspective on alcohol and illicit drug use and health

Alcohol and illicit drug use has a significant impact on global health. Alc ohol consumption is increasing worldwide, particularly in developing countr ies and countries in transition, leading to an increasing number of health and social problems, both acute and chronic. Illicit drug use is also incre asing, particularly injection drug use, followed by an epidemic spread of H IV and other bloodborne infections. Alcohol and illicit drug use are relate d to key determinants of population health and are also an outcome of poor health. Globalized marketing and trade, and rapid social changes and develo pment in the absence of strong policies and investments in public health ha ve led to an increased availability, use and problems related to alcohol an d other substance use. Public health policies and substantial investments i n effective prevention and treatment approaches are needed in order to redu ce the negative impact of alcohol and other drug use at national and global levels. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.