# Alcohol consumption trends and health in Poland

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/alcohol-consumption-trends-and-health-in-poland
> Updated: 2026-08-26T11:07:46.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Recent data regarding alcohol use in Poland highlights a tension between rising abstinence rates and significant public health concerns.

A CBOS poll conducted in April 2026 revealed that 23% of adult Poles report total abstinence from alcohol, a record high for the research centre and a seven-point increase since 2019. The study noted that health concerns and a lack of desire were the primary drivers for this trend, with 79% of 18-24-year-olds stating they do not need alcohol.

In contrast, medical experts have raised alarms regarding the health risks associated with consumption. During a conference for World FASD Awareness Day, reports indicated that 80% of Polish women consume alcohol, with 15% drinking during pregnancy. Specialists warned that 90% of women do not admit to drinking while pregnant and emphasized that there is “no safe dose” for a fetus. Furthermore, medical professionals cautioned that regular intake, such as daily beer consumption, can lead to liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and increased risks of type 2 diabetes.

## Claims

- Toxic effects on a fetus typically occur when a woman consumes 8 or more servings of alcohol per week for at least two weeks of pregnancy. (single source)
- Approximately 80 percent of Polish women consume alcohol, and 15 percent consume it during pregnancy. (single source)
- 90 percent of surveyed women do not admit to consuming alcohol during pregnancy. (single source)
- Alcohol is harmful regardless of its concentration or strength. (single source)
- Daily beer consumption is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes due to its high glycemic index. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Poland alcohol consumption: Experts warn of pregnancy risks and chronic health issues

Medical experts report that 15% of Polish women consume alcohol during pregnancy, increasing FASD risks, while warning that daily beer consumption can lead to diabetes and liver damage.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-alcohol-consumption-experts-warn-of-pregnancy-risks-and-chronic-health-issues

### 2026-08-05: Poland records highest adult alcohol abstinence rate at 23%

CBOS poll shows 23 % of adult Poles now abstain from alcohol, the highest ever, with health and lack of need as main reasons; wine leads as preferred drink.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-records-highest-adult-alcohol-abstinence-rate-at-23

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Cite as: Alcohol consumption trends and health in Poland. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/alcohol-consumption-trends-and-health-in-poland