Harmful alcohol consumption is risky both for the drinker and for other people. An intoxicated person can put people in harm’s way by involving them in traffi c accidents or violent behaviour, or by negatively affecting co-workers, relatives, friends or strangers. A survey in Australia found that two thirds of respondents were adversely affected by someone else’s drinking in the past year. Alcohol consumption also affects society at large. Death, disease and injury caused by alcohol consumption have socioeconomic impacts, including the medical costs borne by governments, and the fi nancial and psychological burden to families. The hazardous.
