Recent evidence indicates that, at low levels, alcohol has health benefits for some people, particularly in contributing to the reduction of the risk of heart disease from middle age onwards. However, people who drink regularly at higher levels place themselves at increased risk of chronic ill health and premature death, while an episode of heavy drinking places the drinker and others at risk of injury and death. These patterns of drinking also have substantial social and economic implications, not only for individuals, but also for families, workplaces, and society as a whole.
ALCOHOL RISK LEVEL, Persons aged 18 years or over
|
 | Tasmania | Australia |
 |  |  |
| Risk status | % | % |
|
| Last consumed alcohol 1 week or more ago (including never consumed alcohol) | 38.8 | 38.4 |
| Low risk | 51.3 | 50.8 |
| Risky/High risk | 9.8 | 10.8 |
| Total | 100.0 | 100.0 |
|
Source: 2001 National Health Survey.
Approximately 9.8% of Tasmanians drink alcohol at levels deemed risky by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). The National Health and Medical Research Council provides the following guidelines to minimise both short-term and long-term risks from alcohol consumption:
FOR MEN:
- No more than 4 Standard Drinks a day on average, and no more than 6 Standard Drinks on any one day*.
- one or two alcohol-free days per week.
FOR WOMEN:
- No more than 2 Standard Drinks a day on average and no more than 4 Standard Drinks on any one day*.
- one or two alcohol-free days per week.
*These drinks should be spread over several hours. For example, men should have no more than 2 standard drinks in the first hour and 1 per hour after that. Women should have no more than 1 standard drink per hour. |
The above guidelines assume you:
- are not about to undertake any activity involving risk or a degree of skill, including driving, flying, water sports, skiing, using complex or heavy machinery or farm machinery, etc,
- do not have a condition that is made worse by drinking, or a family history of alcohol-related problems,
- are not on medication,
- are not pregnant.
|
(Source: Australian Alcohol Guidelines: Health Risks and Benefits, National Health and Medical Research Council, 2001)
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