Last update:
15-Nov-2008

Alcohol consumption has been linked to several injuries such as motor vehicle crashes, falls, drowning, fires and burns, and violence. Despite the many efforts and the implementation of health policies at both community and national level, the burden of alcohol-related injuries, especially among young people, is still unacceptably high in many European Union (EU) countries. The identification of effective interventions for the reduction of unintentional injuries due to alcohol is, therefore, an important public health goal. This paper aims: (a) to describe the magnitude and the socio-economic burden of alcohol-related injuries in the countries of the EU, (b) to outline underlying risk factors and (c) to present evidencebased preventive practices that reduce the likelihood of accidents due to alcohol. Some of these measures are therefore included in the European Code Against Injuries (ECAI) aiming to raise public awareness regarding injury prevention.

Key words: Alcohol, Drinking, European Code Against Injuries Alcohol, Injury, Prevention.