Alcohol consumption is very widespread in Finland, often associated with leisure and fun, both among men and women. However, the most harmful effects derived from its abuse still end up affecting more men than women.
According to Statistics Finland data, in 2019 there were more than three times as many deaths caused by alcohol among males as among females.
Altogether, 1,718 people died in Finland in 2019 from alcohol-related diseases and alcohol poisonings. Of them, 1,306 were men and 412 women.
The number of deaths linked with alcohol abuse increased by 35 from the year before. Most of those deaths were caused by diseases related to long-term alcohol use, such as liver and heart diseases.
According to the Finnish statistical agency, in 2019 more than half of deaths from alcohol-related causes stemmed from liver diseases caused by alcohol. The number of deaths derived from them increased from the year before.
Alcohol poisonings
By contrast, the number of alcohol poisonings decreased from the year before. Alcohol poisonings accounted for 12% of all alcohol-related deaths.
Overall, 3% of all deaths deaths recorded in Finland in 2019 were due to alcohol-related causes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol consumption contributes to 3 million deaths each year globally as well as to the disabilities and poor health of millions of people.
