When to call last drinks

Alcohol consumption has undoubtedly been entrenched into Australian culture, but experts say people should reconsider their intake this festive season.

The National Health and Medical Research Council has confirmed new national guidelines after four years of extensive research into the previous 2009 recommendations.

To reduce the harm of alcohol related disease or injury the NHMRC is suggesting adults should cut back their intake to 10 standards a week, four less than in previous guidelines.

The amended recommendations come after studies from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show that one in four people have consumed alcohol at levels placing them at risk at least monthly.

The new guidelines further propose that adults should consume no more than four standard drinks a day, while those aged under 18 should not drink any alcohol.

Pregnant women and those breastfeeding are discouraged from drinking however NHMRC says these are only recommendations.

“We are not telling Australians how much to drink,” he said.

“We are providing advice about the health risks so that we can all make informed decisions in our daily lives.”

Professor Paul Kelly, Australia’s Acting Chief Medical Officer, says the guidelines will be a first step in minimising harm.

“Reducing the risks posed by alcohol demands a complex and multi-faceted approach – and the release of the guidelines is a very important part of that,” he said.

The new guidelines have been accepted by the Federal Government ahead of the peak season for alcohol-related harm in Australia.

Alcohol fuelled incidents increase in the lead up to a majority of public holidays, in particular summer months starting from the last working day before Christmas through to New Year’s Day.

Professor Kelly said people who follow the new guidelines will have less than a one in 100 chance of dying from an alcohol-related condition.

“Every year there are more than 4,000 alcohol-related deaths in Australia, and more than 70,000 hospital admissions,” he said.

“Alcohol is linked to more than 40 medical conditions, including many cancers.”