Problematic consumption

Approximately 4% of the population drinks chronically in a risky manner, i.e. drinking too often and too much. Chronic, high-risk consumption increases the risk of addiction and alcohol-related complications.

For around 15% of the population (18.9% for men and 10.7% for women) this is a selectively high-risk consumption, with 4 or more (women) or 5 or more (men) standard glasses per drinking occasion at least once a month. This increases the risk of acute injuries, accidents and violent crimes.

An estimated 250,000 to 300,000 people in Switzerland are addicted to alcohol.

Approximately one in three people in Switzerland has at least one person in their environment with problematic alcohol consumption or addiction.

Alcohol-related deaths

In 2017, 1,553 people died as a result of their alcohol consumption.

The proportion of alcohol-related deaths is 10% for men and 5% for women.

Alcohol plays a role in every 9th car accident that results in death or serious injury.

Source: Federal Office of Public Health BAG