AMA Warns of Dangers of Excess Alcohol Consumption

"At this time of year we see an increase in domestic violence, assaults, drownings, road tragedies and suicide as a direct result of alcohol abuse - and innocent people are often the ones who suffer the most," Dr Glasson said.

"We see long term health problems in people who consistently abuse alcohol, including heart disease, liver disease, circulation problems, stroke, and a range of cancers.

"But the impact of heavy drinking hurts more than the drinker," Dr Glasson said.

The AMA is calling on the alcohol industry, the Federal Government and the general public to do their bit to reduce the harm caused by alcohol.

General Public

• Always drink in moderation
• Don't drink and drive or operate machinery
• Drink slowly
• Alternate alcoholic with alcohol free or low alcohol drinks
• Eat before or while drinking
• Don't drink if you're pregnant

The Federal Government

• Change alcohol tax to reflect alcohol content of products
• Legislate for the introduction of health warnings on alcohol products

Alcohol Industry

• Increase production of low and lower alcohol content products
• Support the introduction of health warnings on alcohol products.

ALCOHOL FACT SHEET

According to the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA):

• Alcohol is widely enjoyed and accepted in Australia with 1.3 million Australians consuming alcohol daily and 90% of the Australian population reporting they have used alcohol at some time in their lives (AIHW 2002).

• Light, low risk consumption of alcohol has been associated with potential benefits in heart disease prevention for some people, particularly in middle and older age groups (NHMRC 2001) however, the all-too-frequent misuse of alcohol is associated with many problems.

• Between 1992 and 2001 risky and high risk alcohol use caused an estimated 31,133 deaths. By contrast, low risk alcohol use was estimated to have prevented at least 6000 premature deaths per year during this period (Chikritzhs et al. 2003).

• Between 1993/94 and 2001/01 risky and high risk alcohol use caused an estimated 577,269 hospitalisations.

• It is estimated that alcohol misuse cost the Australian community over $7.5 billion in 1998-99 (Collins & Lapsley 2003).

• In 2001 one-third of Australians put themselves at risk of alcohol related harm in the short term (such as road injury, violence and assault) on at least one occasion over twelve months.

• Almost 10% of the population consumed alcohol in a manner that puts them at risk of long term harm such as cancer, liver cirrhosis, stroke and cardiovascular disease (AIHW 2002).

• Alcohol is implicated in 21% of all drowning deaths overall and in 30% of drowning deaths related to recreational aquatic activity (Worth 2003).

• It is estimated that between 1990 and 1997, 31% of all driver and pedestrian deaths on Australian roads were alcohol related (Chikritzhs et al. 2000).

• Between 41% and 70% of violent crimes are committed while under the influence of alcohol (MCDS 2001).

Alcohol is responsible for 50% of all drug related deaths amongst people aged 0-34 years (Ridolfo & Stevenson 2001)