People drink beer in downtown Tallinn, Estonia. That nation, along with the other Baltic nations Lithuania and Latvia, is among the worst in several European Union health categories linked to excessive drinking.

In many parts of the world, drinking alcohol beverages is a common feature of social gatherings but it carries a risk of adverse health and social consequences related to its intoxicating, toxic and dependence-producing properties. Chronic diseases can develop in those who drink large amounts of alcohol over a number of years. (© AP Images)