New Report "When Less is More" Highlights the Benefits of Reduced Alcohol Consumption

We often highlight the harm caused by alcohol and the clear link between increased consumption and increased risks. This time, however, the focus is on the benefits of reducing alcohol use—both for individuals and for society as a whole.

A new report "Health and Social Benefits from Reduced Alcohol Consumption: When Less is More", commissioned by IOGT-NTO as part of the Alcohol and Society series, was launched on 5 March 2025 in the European Parliament with opening remarks by MEP Jonas Sjöstedt. The discussion featured insights from one of the scientists behind the report, Prof Frida Dangardt, alongside Prof Mirjam R. Landgraf, Prof. Frank Murray, Eurocare Board Member, and Dr Wendy Yared, with closing remarks from Kristina Sperkova. The debate was moderated Eurocare's Secretary General Florence Berteletti.

Key Takeaways
A key takeaway from the report is that there are many health benefits of reducing alcohol, including lower blood pressure, improved heart function, reduced risks of heart disease, stroke, and atrial fibrillation, lowers risk of alcohol-related cancers, reduced risk of dementia, improved mental well-being, reduced depressive symptoms and enhanced quality of life, reduced miscarriage risk and improved fertility.

At a population-level, lower per capita alcohol consumption leads to reductions in alcohol-related diseases, injuries, and deaths. Notably, abrupt declines in alcohol consumption (e.g., due to strikes by alcohol workers or COVID-19 restrictions) have shown substantial public health benefits.

Policy Solutions
The World Health Organization recommends effective policy measures such as raising alcohol prices (via taxation), limiting availability, promoting early interventions, and restricting marketing to reduce harm.

Conclusion
Reducing alcohol consumption—both at the individual and population level—delivers substantial health and social benefits.

Read the full report here. Photo gallery below. 

Florence Berteletti, Secretary General, European Alcohol Policy Alliance (Eurocare) / Photograher: Per-Olof Svensson (Blå Bandet)

Prof. Dr. Frank Murray, European Association for Study of the Liver (EASL) & Eurocare Board Member / Photograher: Per-Olof Svensson (Blå Bandet)

Prof. Dr. Frida Dangardt, Sahlgrenska Academy and University Hospital, Sweden / Photograher: Per-Olof Svensson (Blå Bandet)

Member of the European Parliament Jonas Sjöstedt and Prof. Dr. Frida Dangardt / Photograher: Per-Olof Svensson (Blå Bandet)

Prof. Dr. Mirjam Landgraf, European Paediatric Neurology Society and The FASD Alliance / Photograher: Per-Olof Svensson (Blå Bandet)

Member of the European Parliament Jonas Sjöstedt and Prof. Dr. Mirjam Landgraf / Photograher: Per-Olof Svensson (Blå Bandet)

Dr. Wendy Yared, Executive Director, Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL) / Photograher: Per-Olof Svensson (Blå Bandet)