The second edition of Trouble Brewing by Vital Strategies examines how alcohol use contributes to health, social, and economic harm, affecting not only individuals, but also families, communities, and health systems. The report highlights how the alcohol industry shapes public perception and policy through targeted marketing, lobbying, and corporate social responsibility campaigns that water down risks and delay effective regulation. It also provides practical tools and resources for responding to common industry arguments against effective alcohol policy.
Key insights:
- Alcohol remains a major driver of disease, injury, and early death.
- Most alcohol-related deaths occur among people aged 20–39.
- Harms extend far beyond individual drinkers, and also affect children, families and communities.
- Digital marketing has widened industry influence, especially among youth.
- Women are increasingly targeted despite greater health risks.
The policy solutions are clear: Among the WHO SAFER measures to reduce alcohol-related harms, the most cost-effective are stronger taxes, restrictions on marketing, and regulation of availability.