True costs of alcohol harm in Poland
The current trend of alcohol consumption at population level in Poland deserves a red flag. Consumption rates have increased by 30% in Poland between 2001 and 2012. This is in sharp contrast to the yearly decline in consumption the country had enjoyed since 1980.
The rising trend is more relevant than ever in Poland due to the concurrent increase in other factors like obesity and diabetes. Combining these risk factors may dramatically raise the number of hospitalizations over the next two decades. Current research has found that even one glass of wine per night increases the risk of breast and other forms of cancer.
Alcohol harm has a significant effect on society as a whole. An estimated 28 billion PLN was lost in 2015 due to alcohol-related problems. Current models apply 55% of the cost onto society through the loss in work productivity, loss of income taxes, and the extra financial burden on the healthcare system. The other 45% goes directly to the abuser’s family through lost wages and even patient death.
Solutions at societal level
Alcohol harm is a public health, economic, and social problem that is on the rise in Poland.
Having an educated population regarding the health effects of alcohol is not enough to change behavior and stop alcohol harm, but it can foster and encourage discourse to reduce availability, marketing and affordability of alcohol. Limiting access involves steps including heavier alcohol taxes or limitations on sales.