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The Community Alcohol Action Network (CAAN) applauds the new National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) draft low-risk drinking guidelines for "low-risk" drinking.
The draft specifies just three basic rules for low risk drinking:
- Guideline 1 - To avoid immediate and long-term harm from drinking: Men and women to drink no more than two standard drinks in any one day
- Guideline 2 - For children and young people under 18 years: (i) Parents and carers are advised that not drinking is the safest option for children and adolescents under 15 years. (ii) Not drinking is the safest option for adolescents aged 15-17 years, but if drinking does occur it should be under parental supervision and not mote than 2 standard drinks in any one day
- Guideline 3 - For women who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding: Not drinking is the safest option
Based on the latest scientific research, the guidelines also provide advice for people with specific medical conditions.
CAAN Director, Geoff Munro, says the new draft guidelines are welcome, because they bring Australia into line with international standards.
"While it is not expected that everyone will limit their drinking to this level on all occasions, the guidelines inform drinkers that to drink more will place them at a higher risk of harm."
Mr Munro stresses that many people don't drink more than 2 drinks when they consume alcohol, especially on a daily basis. And those who do will now be alerted to the risk they are taking.
He says that: "These guidelines acknoqledge that even small amounts of alcohol can change feelings and perceptions, which can lead to accidents and injuries."
"They make it clear that alcohol is not a health product and that
people often risk their health and well being when they drink."
Health benefits that have been discovered in some alcoholic drinks, such as cardiovascular benefit from red wine, is gained from drinking below this new standard of two drinks per day. What's more, the guidelines point out that that benefit is still not proven. For some diseases, such as breast cancer, drinking any amount of alcohol is a risk factor.
Mr Munro expressed his hope that people will pay attention to the changes in the guidelines, and the research that it is based upon.
"If we can stick to these guidelines we will develop a safer drinking culture with less violence, less drink driving and fewer hospital beds occupied as a result of drinking."
The guidelines are available for public comment and scrutiny until 11 December 2007. To find out how to make a submission, go to the NHMRC website.
Date: 2007-10-15
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