Green Crescent Releases Türkiye Alcohol Research Report: First Alcohol Use Occurs Before the Age of 18

The Turkish Green Crescent Society has released the Türkiye Alcohol Research Report, further expanding its body of scientific research on addiction. Following the publication of the Cost of Addiction to the Economy Report, the Türkiye Gambling Report, and the Türkiye Tobacco Report, the latest report was presented to the public at an event held on 24 June.

The report examines the individual, social, and economic impacts of alcohol use while highlighting policy recommendations aimed at strengthening the protection of young people.

One in Five People in Türkiye Has Consumed Alcohol at Least Once

According to the report, 20.8% of people aged 15 and over in Türkiye reported having consumed alcohol at least once in their lifetime, while 79.2% reported never having consumed alcohol. Among respondents, 11.4% reported consuming alcohol within the past 12 months, while 7.1% reported alcohol use within the past 30 days.

Globally, an estimated 400 million people are living with alcohol use disorder (AUD). In Türkiye, the prevalence of alcohol use disorder was estimated at 4.8%.

Average Age of First Alcohol Use Is 19.4 Years

The report found that the average age of first alcohol use in Türkiye was 19.4 years. Half of respondents who reported consuming alcohol said they had their first drink at the age of 18 or earlier. The findings also showed that men begin consuming alcohol at a younger age than women.

Among the factors influencing the initiation of alcohol use, peer influence ranked first (48.8%), followed by recreational purposes (45.4%) and curiosity (43.6%).

Alcohol Use Leads to More Than 2.5 Million Deaths Worldwide Each Year

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol use remains a major public health concern due to its significant health and social consequences. It is associated with more than 200 diseases and health conditions, including liver disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, impaired brain function, and mental health disorders. Globally, more than 2.5 million deaths each year are attributable to alcohol consumption.

Strong Public Support for Protective Alcohol Policies

The findings also reveal strong public support for protective alcohol policies. Participants expressed strong support for measures such as banning alcohol sales in student dormitories, sports clubs, and cafés; restricting alcohol advertising and promotional activities; prohibiting alcohol sales at petrol stations; and regulating the hours during which alcohol may be sold.

“Around 2.6 Million Deaths Worldwide Each Year Are Attributable to Alcohol Use”

Speaking at the launch event, Assoc. Prof. Mehmet Dinç, President of the Turkish Green Crescent Society, described addiction as one of the most significant social challenges of our time. He noted that alcohol is increasingly presented as an essential part of social life and a prerequisite for entertainment, adding:

"Addiction industries often promotes its products by portraying them as attractive, socially acceptable, or even essential. Yet we do not want anyone to lose their health, their future, or their loved ones as a result of addiction. Our findings clearly demonstrate that alcohol does not resolve individual or societal problems—it exacerbates them. Despite this evidence, efforts to normalize alcohol use, particularly among young people, remain a matter of serious concern.

The World Health Organization states that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. Around 2.6 million deaths worldwide each year are attributable to alcohol use. These deaths are not the result of wars, natural disasters, or infectious diseases; rather, they stem from a preventable risk factor: alcohol use.”

“Through Our Green Crescent Counseling Centers, We Stand by People Across All 81 Provinces”

Emphasizing that alcohol use is not only an individual concern but also a broader societal issue, Dinç continued:

“Alcohol use is not solely a health issue. It is also closely linked to road traffic injuries, violence, crime, and family conflict. That is why, as a society, we need to adopt a stronger preventive and protective approach. Our findings show that a large majority of the public supports protective alcohol policies.

At the same time, it is essential that we approach people experiencing alcohol-related problems without stigma, exclusion, or blame. Through our Green Crescent Counseling Centers (YEDAM), which operate in all 81 provinces of Türkiye, we provide free and confidential support. Last year alone, we received more than 1,500 applications related to alcohol use. The findings remind us that recovery is possible, rehabilitation is possible, and there is always hope. As Green Crescent, we will continue to stand by everyone throughout their recovery journey.”

“The Earlier Alcohol Use Begins, the Greater the Risk of Developing Addiction”

Prof. Rabia Bilici, a member of the Green Crescent Scientific Committee, emphasized that delaying the age of alcohol initiation is critical to addiction prevention. She noted that, compared with many other countries, Türkiye remains in a relatively stronger position in terms of the average age at which alcohol use begins.

“Our findings show that the average age of first alcohol use in Türkiye is 19.4 years. The earlier alcohol use begins, the greater the risk of developing addiction. This highlights the importance of both prevention efforts and raising awareness among young people.”

Bilici also noted that the areas of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control continue to develop into early adulthood, underscoring the important protective role of minimum-age restrictions on alcohol use.

“Alcohol Is a Deliberate Madness”

Prof. Ayşe Nurdan Tözün underscored the serious health risks associated with alcohol use, describing it as “a deliberate madness.”

“The liver is the body's natural laboratory. Alcohol use can lead to serious health conditions, ranging from fatty liver disease to cirrhosis. We should therefore avoid exposing both our bodies and our minds to substances that harm our health. Raising public awareness of the harms associated with alcohol use remains critically important.”

“Alcohol Is a Major Risk Factor for Cancer”

Assoc. Prof. Tülay Eren, a member of the Executive Board of the Turkish Medical Oncology Society, emphasized that alcohol use is one of the leading risk factors for cancer. She noted that while public awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol use and its association with road traffic injuries has increased, awareness of the link between alcohol use and cancer remains limited.

“Many people believe that low or occasional alcohol consumption poses little or no risk. However, scientific evidence clearly shows that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption and that alcohol use increases the risk of cancer. That is why, contrary to the common belief that ‘one drink won't do any harm,’ we emphasize that even one drink can have consequences.”

Access the full report here.