(0 The harmful use of alcohol is a particularly grave threat to men. (II) It is the leading factor for deaths in males aged 15-59, mainly due to injuries, violence and cardiovascular diseases. (Ill) The world's highest alcohol consumption levels are found in the developed world, including Western and Eastern Europe. (IV) 6.2% of all male deaths are attributable to alcohol, compared with 1.1% of female deaths. (V) Men also outnumber women four to one in weekly episodes of heavy drinking - most probably the reason for their higher death and disability rates.