Responsible drinking has become a growing concern internationally, despite research showing a hazardous drinking decline.
Dr Ellie Cannon a General Practitioner from the UK, has set out a series of easy-to-understand tips to promote responsible drinking in moderation.
“Dr Ellie’s tips for drinking responsibly are aimed at adults who choose to drink, designed to be easily understood, and are applicable for various contexts, including New Zealand”, said NZ Alcohol Beverages Council (NZABC) executive director Virginia Nicholls.
The NZ Health survey has indicated that 84 percent of NZ adults (more than four out of five of us) drink beer, wine, and spirits responsibly. This is an increase of three percentage points from last year (81 percent 2022).
The survey showed the lowest rate of hazardous drinking since the survey began – sitting at 16 percent of the adult population (18.7 percent 2022).
This reduction is significant and shows the change in the way that we are drinking. Over the past year this equates to 110,000 fewer kiwis drinking in a harmful way.
The Health NZ guidelines for low-risk drinking are two standard drinks a day for women, and three standard drinks a day for men, with at least two alcohol-free days each week.
“The way in which NZ adults are drinking is changing and there is a growing appetite for more practical advice”, said Nicholls.
Dr Cannon’s tips for the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) to promote drinking moderately and responsibly were to:
- Set limits: take time to enjoy drinks and stick to limits.
- Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water.
- Consider zero wine, beer or spirits: explore no-alcohol options and alternate between these and alcoholic drinks.
- Perfect drinks: check labels for alcohol by volume content and use standardised measuring tools.
- Have a meal or snack: eating helps slow down the rate at which alcohol is absorbed.
In June 2024, IARD members and six leading digital platforms announced a partnership to enhance online safeguards and prevent those who are underage from seeing alcohol advertising online.
These resources are part of IARD’s ongoing work to help support the continued adoption of responsible practices and reduce harmful drinking. This was also about supporting those who choose not to drink. The NZABC is a member of IARD.
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