OREANDA-NEWS. October 23, 2012. There are about 50 thousand alcohol addicts in Moldova, according to a survey published by the World Health Organization [WHO]. At the same time, the WHO data shows that Moldova ranks first in Europe and third in the world, in terms of alcohol consumption.

Thus, the average Moldovan annually consumes 18.26 liters of pure ethyl alcohol. Moldovans drink nearly three times the global average of 6.1 liters of pure ethyl alcohol per individual per year. There are 7.2 thousand women suffering of chronic alcoholism in Moldova.

Alcohol intake in the WHO European Region is the highest in the world. Harmful use of alcohol is related to premature death and avoidable disease and is a major avoidable risk factor for neuropsychiatric disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cirrhosis of the liver and cancer. It is associated with several infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, and contributes significantly to unintentional and intentional injuries, including those due to road traffic accidents and suicide. Further, excessive alcohol use during a woman’s pregnancy can lead to severe mental handicap of her child.

The Czech Republic is the second heaviest drinking country. The country has an annual alcohol consumption of 16.46 liters of pure ethyl alcohol per capita. Third on the list is Hungary with an annual alcohol consumption of 16.27 liters of pure ethyl alcohol per individual. Wine is consumed the most in Hungary, followed by beer and other spirits. Russia is the fourth heaviest drinking country. The country has an annual alcohol consumption of 15.74 liters of pure ethyl alcohol. Ukraine takes the fifth position on the list. The annual alcohol consumption of the country is 15.59 liters of pure ethyl alcohol per capita.