Welsh drinkers still unaware of health risks
Friday 25 June 2010
The results of a survey by Alcohol Concern Cymru show that many people in Wales remain ill-informed about the possible effects of alcohol on their health, and about what is sensible drinking.
Alcohol Concern Cymru commissioned a telephone survey of 1,000 drinkers in Wales. Amongst the main findings were:
- Around half of respondents said they did not know the recommended daily maximum number of units of alcohol for a man or a woman
- More than half were unable to correctly recall the number of units in either a standard pint of beer/lager or a standard glass of wine
- Although 84 per cent knew that liver disease was often directly linked to alcohol, 78 per cent failed to mention the link between alcohol and cancer.
Alcohol Concern Cymru Policy Manager Andrew Misell said:
“Regularly drinking above recommended guidelines significantly increases the risk to our health. Studies show that alcohol is linked to more than 60 conditions, including liver disease and mouth, food pipe, bowel and breast cancer. It is responsible for around 1,000 deaths each year in Wales. In spite of this, more than three quarters of respondents to our survey stated that they are rarely or never concerned about the amount of alcohol they consume.
“We clearly need to do more to inform the public about sensible drinking and the dangers associated with excessive consumption.”
Clive Wolfendale, Chief Executive of north Wales drugs and alcohol charity CAIS, said:
“This Alcohol Concern report paints a frightening but completely accurate picture of the epidemic of alcohol abuse currently afflicting Wales. The effects are seen daily in our hospitals and on our streets. Unless urgent measures are taken both to improve awareness and restrict supply, we will face a longer term and very costly health and social crisis.”
To address this worrying situation, Alcohol Concern recommends:
- The number of units in each individual drink should be prominently displayed, ideally on the front of the packaging. Labels should also include a cigarette style health warning
- Information about units, recommended guideline amounts, and risks to health should be prominently displayed wherever alcohol is sold
- A minimum price per unit of alcohol should be set, in line with the recommendations of the UK’s Chief Medical Officers. This should be implemented at an England and Wales level; however, if progress cannot be made in this regard, Alcohol Concern supports moves to devolve the necessary powers to the National Assembly for Wales.
ENDS
Notes for editors:
- For interviews, contact Andrew Misell, 029 2066 0248 or 0755 2474446 amisell@alcoholconcern.org.uk
- The report, What’s the damage? is available on the Alcohol Concern website.
- A bilingual version of this press release is available in the Alcohol Concern Cymru News section of the website.
- Alcohol Concern is the national agency on alcohol misuse campaigning for effective alcohol policy and improved services for people whose lives are affected by alcohol-related problems.
- Alcohol Concern opened its office in Cardiff in 2009, and Alcohol Concern Cymru is focusing on policy and public health in Wales, acting as a champion for alcohol harm reduction.