Alcohol consumption is more problematic among men and in the east of the country, notes the book on alcohol use in Slovenia, which also takes issue with the lack of comprehensive alcohol policy and the tolerant and permissive attitude towards alcohol.

Slovenia is meanwhile recording an increasing trend of teetotallers and a decreasing trend in excessive and high-risk drinking.

However, Slovenia also ranks high among EU countries in health consequences of alcohol consumption and the number of alcohol-related deaths, says the book, which was published by the Public Health Institute (IVZ) and the Health Ministry and is available online.

Estimates suggest that alcohol is the cause of 6.5% of deaths per year and 11.4% of lost healthy years in Slovenia, while global estimates put the figures at 3.8% and 4.6%, respectively.

The trend of hospitalisations related to alcohol consumption is meanwhile falling, but the health of those hospitalised is poorer.

Liver illnesses are the most common cause of alcohol-related deaths, while hospitalisations due to alcohol abuse are mostly linked to psychological and behavioural disorders.

A notable issue is also risky drinking among young people, as over a quarter of 15-year-olds reported consuming alcohol at least once a week, which is above the international average.

Moreover, many of Slovenian youths had their first drink before the age of 13, suggesting that Slovenians start drinking earlier than the average in the world.