Combining Cancer Awareness with Drink Tracking Shows Promise in Reducing Alcohol Consumption
A recent study by researchers at the George Institute for Global Health in Australia has identified a especially effective method for helping people reduce their weekly alcohol intake. While awareness of alcohol’s health risks is widespread, motivating long-term behavioral change has proven challenging. Though, the link between alcohol and cancer is gaining traction as a powerful message, particularly within Australia.
The research, published in the journal Addictive Behaviors, surveyed 8,000 adults representing the Australian population’s drinking habits over a six-week period.All participants expressed a desire to decrease their alcohol consumption. The study involved multiple groups exposed to different interventions: some viewed the “Alcohol. Think Again ‘Spread'” campaign,which highlights the connection between alcohol and cancers of the breast,liver,mouth,throat,and intestines. Others received simple advice on modifying drinking habits, while a third group experienced a combination of approaches.
The most prosperous strategy involved combining the “Spread” campaign with the simple instruction to “Count your drinks.” This combination demonstrably led to a reduction in alcohol consumption among participants.
“These results provide new evidence to support investment in the most effective forms of public education to address the harms of alcohol in populations,” explained study leader Simone Pettigrew, according to the institute’s announcement.
The findings are important given the global impact of alcohol-related harm. The World Health Institution (WHO) reports approximately 2.6 million alcohol-related deaths annually, with nearly 2 million occurring among men. Around 209 million people worldwide are also alcohol dependent. Currently, the WHO’s goal of reducing global alcohol consumption by 20 percent by 2030 (compared to 2010 levels) appears unlikely to be met.
Despite a recent downward trend in per capita alcohol consumption in Australia – currently at 9.5 liters of pure alcohol per person per year – Professor Pettigrew emphasizes the need for continued support. “Drinkers need help to understand their risk and take action,” she concludes.
