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Lack of international consensus in low risk drinking guidelines

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posted on 2023-06-08, 18:12 authored by Nina Furtwängler, Richard De VisserRichard De Visser
Introduction and Aims: To encourage moderate alcohol consumption, many governments have developed guidelines for alcohol intake, guidelines for alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and legislation relating to blood alcohol limits when driving. The aim of this study was to determine the degree of international consensus within such guidelines. Design and Methods: Official definitions of standard and consumption guidelines were searched for on government websites, including all 27 European Union Member States and countries from all global geographic regions. Results: There was a remarkable lack of agreement about what constitutes harmful or excessive alcohol consumption on a daily basis, a weekly basis, and when driving, with no consensus about the ratios of consumption guidelines for men and women. Discussion and Conclusions: International consensus in low risk drinking guidelines is an important - and achievable - goal. Such agreement would facilitate consistent labelling of packaged products and could help to promote moderate alcohol consumption. However, there are some paradoxes related to alcohol content labelling and people’s use of such information: although clearer information could increase people’s capacity to monitor and regulate their alcohol consumption, not all drinkers are motivated to drink moderately or sensibly, and drinkers who intend to get drunk may use alcohol content labelling to select more alcoholic products.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Drug and Alcohol Review

ISSN

0959-5236

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Issue

1

Volume

32

Page range

11-18.

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2014-09-05

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    University of Sussex (Publications)

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