Presentation of Indicators on Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption and Consequences thereof, 2024

Alcohol and Tobacco Use Declines, but Health Risks Remain

On 29 May 2025, the State Data Agency (Statistics Lithuania) presented the latest statistical indicators on alcohol and tobacco consumption and their consequences. The presentation was delivered by Dr Inga Masiulaitytė-Šukevič, Deputy Director General of the Agency, and the data were commented on by Žilvinė Našlėnė, Head of the Biostatistical Analysis Division at the Health Information Centre of the Institute of Hygiene.

Alcohol Consumption at its Lowest in a Decade

In 2024, the amount of pure (100 per cent) alcohol consumed per resident aged 15 and over was 10.2 litres – by 0.8 litres less than in 2023. This is the lowest recorded level of legal alcohol consumption in the past ten years. The calculation of alcohol consumption takes into account the volume of alcoholic beverages purchased in retail trade, as well as the estimated consumption by tourists both in Lithuania and abroad.

Trade data show that in 2024, compared to 2023, sales of:

• spirits decreased by 5.3 per cent;
• beer decreased by 7.5 per cent;
• wine, fermented beverages, and alcoholic cocktails increased by 2.1 per cent.

Although alcohol consumption declined, the prices of alcoholic beverages rose by an average of 4.5 per cent. The most significant price increases were recorded for whisky (6.3 per cent), fruit wine (5.7 per cent), and Lithuanian beer (5.2 per cent). The price growth was also influenced by a higher excise duty rate introduced since 1 January 2024.

Health Consequences Remain Severe

According to the data from the Institute of Hygiene, in 2024, at least one alcohol-related disease was diagnosed in 27.7 thousand residents: a slight increase compared to 2023. The highest morbidity was recorded among men (3.2 times higher than among women), and was particularly high in the 50–54 age group. The most common diagnoses (per 100,000 population) were:

• alcohol dependence – 703.4 cases;
• toxic effects of alcohol – 157.5 cases;
• alcoholic liver disease – 132.5 cases;
• alcoholic psychosis – 85.5 cases.

The morbidity rate among rural residents was by 1.3 times higher than among urban residents.

In 2024, a total of 677 people died from diseases directly related to alcohol consumption – by 52 more than in 2023. The most common causes of death were: alcoholic liver disease (52.6 per cent), accidental alcohol poisoning (22.2 per cent), alcoholic cardiomyopathy (8.3 per cent). The mortality rate among men was by 3.1 times higher than among women.

Traffic Accidents and Crimes Committed by Intoxicated Persons

Data show that in 2024, 25.7 per cent (7.6 thousand) of all solved criminal offences were committed by intoxicated individuals – a decrease of 10.8 per cent, compared to 2023.

However, the number of traffic accidents caused by intoxicated persons increased – 234 cases, or by 4.9 per cent more than in 2023. These accidents resulted in 8 deaths and 276 injuries. A total of 158 accidents were caused specifically by drunk drivers, resulting in 6 deaths and 195 injuries.

According to the data of the State Labour Inspectorate, 28 people died at work in 2024, including 1 person under the influence of alcohol (compared to 33 deaths, including 6 intoxicated individuals, in 2023).

Despite Lower Tobacco Consumption, Significant Health Risks Remain

In 2024, tobacco product consumption continued to decline: the average number of cigarettes per capita (aged 15 and over) was 1,151 – by 5.9 per cent less than in 2023.

Tobacco product trends:

• production decreased by 4 per cent;
• exports decreased by 6.9 per cent;
• imports increased by 26.2 per cent;
• prices increased by 7.6 per cent.

Although the prices of tobacco products rose, residents’ purchasing power also increased: with the average wage, it was possible to buy 242 packs of the most expensive (first-segment) cigarettes,

In 2024, 1,577 people died from smoking-related malignant neoplasms – by 80 more than in 2023. Men accounted for 77.3 per cent of all deaths. The leading cause of death was cancer of the trachea, bronchi, or lungs.

Statistical data for 2024 reveal a positive trend: the consumption of legal alcohol and tobacco has decreased. However, the impact on health and social life remains significant, with men and rural residents being affected more often. Health professionals emphasize the need for stronger prevention and education efforts, as well as improved access to mental health support services.

For more information, see here. 

Presentation broadcast, see here. 

Last updated: 30-05-2025

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