Alcohol as a risk factor for injury: lessons from French data.

The relationship between alcohol and injury is complex and the evidence level varies depending on the type of injury. The role of alcohol as a causal factor of traffic accidents is clear. There is less evidence concerning home and leisure injuries which include a wide range of accident causes and mechanisms. However, several studies dealing with specific injuries, such as drowning and fracture injuries in seniors, suggest a correlation between alcohol and the occurrence of injuries. Intentional injuries (violence, suicide) are complex and multifactorial phenomena. It is therefore more complicated to find the link between alcohol consumption and these kind of injuries. However, several physiological, psychological and social mechanisms are suggested to clarify this relationship. In conclusion, further data are needed to improve knowledge regarding the link between alcohol and injuries and, consequently, to implement preventive interventions. The collection of data on alcohol consumption at the moment of admission in emergency wards should be particularly promoted.