Alcohol andHealth in Wales: a Major Public Health Issue’

The rise in alcohol-related harm in Wales isdocumented in a new report “Alcohol andHealth in Wales: a Major Public Health Issue”, published by the National Public Health Service for Wales. Based on published evidence, it details the health consequences of alcohol misuse in Wales.

Alcohol-related deaths have increased more than four-fold amongst Welsh men and more than three-fold among women in the last 20 years according to the report, which says that some
170 men and 90 women inWales are likely to die ofalcohol-related conditions thisyear.

As the real price of alcohol has fallen over the last 40 years, the amount consumed hasdoubled. Heavy drinking among teenagers in Wales is amongstthe worst in Europe. Excessivedrinking is causing a wide range of illness amongst people inWales.

Cirrhosis of the liver is one of the major causes of deathfrom alcohol misuse. Cancers,mental illness and accidents are others.

The report’s author, Dr Edward Coles, said,
“‘Mediterranean-style’ drinking isno panacea. Comparison of different European countries shows that it is associated with high rates of cirrhosis. There is a tendency to think of crime and disorder as beingthe main cause of illness associatedwith excessive drinking. However, cirrhosis of the liver, cancer, mental illness, accidents, unwanted pregnancies and babies damaged by their mothers’ drinking are also important.

“Excessive alcohol use is a serious public health problem in Wales. Health would improve substantially if there was a reduction in the number of people who drink more than the guidelines.” Guidance indicates that menshould drink less than 21 units a week and women should have less than 14 units.

Dr Coles said, “There are two mechanisms that have been shown to produce a substantial reduction in alcohol consumption - increased price and reduced availability. The National Public Health Service for Wales believe this is an important message for local licensing committees throughout Wales.” The report is available fromthe NPHS web site
www.nphs.wales.nhs.uk