UK charity Drinkaware has launched a five-year strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm and promote moderation in the country.
The approach aims to reduce the number of people who consume more than the UK’s recommended weekly limit of 14 units of alcohol – so-called “risky drinkers” – from the current estimate of 8m to 6m by the end of 2030. Drinkaware estimates that around 7m people drink between 15 and 34 units of alcohol a week in the UK, while a further 1m people drink more than 34 units.
The strategy is targeted more specifically at the 7m – around one in five LDA consumers in the country – a group the charity said “represents a critical window for prevention, with many not recognising their level of risk”. To meet its target, Drinkaware plans to develop “digital tools and services” to help consumers to drink less, provide “targeted community interventions”, share data and insights and advocate within the UK Government.
The organisation’s CEO, Karen Tyrell, said there have been “substantial positive changes in drinking behaviour across the UK” since Drinkaware was founded 20 years ago. “People are drinking less often, average consumption is down and more drinkers are staying within the chief medical officer’s [Sir Chris Whitty’s] low-risk guidelines,” Tyrell added. “There’s a lot to celebrate here, but our work isn’t done.”
In January, health authorities in the US revised their advice on alcohol consumption, shifting away from daily limits. The revised guidance from the US departments of health & human services and of agriculture advises people to “consume less alcohol for better overall health”, replacing previous recommendations that adults limit their daily intake to one or two drinks. The revisions were met with a positive reaction from industry organisations.
