Study finds dangerous views of drinking

VICTORIAN men believe health risks only begin at 30 drinks per binge, a VicHealth and Monash University study has found.

The study, which investigated masculine drinking cultures, came as a result of a recent VicHealth survey that discovered 40 per cent of Victorian men regularly drink more than four standard alcoholic drinks in a session, increasing the risk of injury and diseases such as cancer and stroke.

It also revealed men were uncomfortable with Australia’s drinking culture but felt helpless in breaking free from it.

Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for Health Anthony Carbines said it was important men felt like they could engage in other social opportunities without alcohol present.

“It’s concerning that some Victorian men feel like the only way they can connect with their friends or express their masculinity is through drinking.”

VicHealth has announced $500,000 in new funding to cultivate change in men’s concerning perception of alcohol.

The funding will be available for organisations eager to build a healthy male drinking culture in their communities.

“This new funding will help to create new interventions that question this outdated view of what it means to be a man in our society, and support men to change the way they think about alcohol,” Mr Carbines said.

VicHealth executive manager of programs Kirstan Corben said the research suggested stereotypes and public health initiatives needed to change.

“Men have told us they think the Australian male drinking culture is harmful, but they don’t know how to change it – they feel stuck in the same drinking culture perpetuated by alcohol industry advertising and learned from their fathers and grandfathers.

“This funding is about redefining masculine drinking and creating options for men where they can connect with their mates and express themselves without having to drink 20 beers.”

VicHealth’s funding grants are open until April 8, with applicants able to apply for up to $150,000 in funding for a two-year project.

For more information, visit www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/funding/mens-risky-drinking-grants.