Abstract
Background: Alcohol use has substantial negative impact on public health. In the Czech Republic, alcohol consumption, as well as heavy episodic drinking, has been very high in the long run, however, the consequences of alcohol use are not systematically monitored.
Aim: The aim of the manuscript is to provide an overview of available information on prevalence and patterns of alcohol use in the Czech Republic with a focus on problem alcohol use, and its health and social consequences. Methodology: Available information on alcohol use and its consequences includes in particular data from representative population and school surveys, and routine monitoring of alcohol consumption, morbidity and mortality.
Results: Prevalence of risky alcohol use has reached 17% in the adult population (approx. 1.5 million adults), including 9% prevalence of harmful alcohol use, and has been increasing. Annually, 21 thousand patients are treated in psychiatric out-patient centres, and nearly 10 thousand are reported in residential psychiatric treatment.
A decline in alcohol use among adolescents has been reported in recent years; however, the adolescent alcohol use remains high in the international context. Morbidity related to alcohol use has been stable, and incidence of alcohol-related diseases is 2-3 times higher among men.
Annually, almost 14 thousand patients are hospitalised for diseases directly attributable to alcohol use. Alcohol-related mortality has been increasing; about 6 thousand deaths are attributable to alcohol use annually (6% of total mortality).
Recent estimates of alcohol use related social costs have reached CZK 57 billion. Conclusion: Available information, together with low level of implementation of recommended alcohol-related measures, suggests an underestimation of the real extent of alcohol-related problems in the Czech Republic.
The alcohol policy should more rely on evidence-based interventions.