Health Experts Advocate for Reduced Alcohol ⁢consumption, Citing Significant Risks

Madrid, ⁢Spain – A coalition of over 15 scientific societies is urging a shift in public perception regarding alcohol consumption, emphasizing that “there is​ no safe level” and advocating for policies to curb ​its use, particularly among young people. The group’s statement aims to reshape how alcohol is viewed and‍ regulated, challenging the normalization of drinking and dispelling myths about ‌potential ⁢health benefits.

Call for​ Prioritizing Public ‍Health

The societies’ ​manifesto‍ stresses that complete abstinence⁤ should ‌be a public health priority for specific groups, including minors, pregnant women, and those in positions of responsibility. They advocate for transparent,​ unbiased details ‍and legislation that prioritizes collective well-being over economic gains.

Alcohol’s ⁣Deadly ‌Toll

Alcohol ​is the second leading preventable cause of⁢ death, ​contributing to approximately ⁤15,000 deaths‌ annually, according to recent data. It⁤ also contributes to over 200 ​health conditions,⁢ including chronic liver disease, cardiovascular​ problems like‍ hypertension and atrial fibrillation, and at least seven types of cancer, including cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, liver, breast and colon. Addiction, injuries, traffic accidents (where alcohol is a factor in 28% of cases involving⁤ victims), and‍ various social,‍ familial, and professional ‍repercussions ⁢further compound the‍ problem.

Impact on Youth

Alcohol‌ consumption poses‌ significant risks to adolescents, interfering⁤ with brain progress and ‍increasing the likelihood of behavioral disorders and academic struggles. Surveys indicate that over half of adolescents ⁣between 14 and 18⁤ have consumed⁣ alcohol in the past month,with one in five experiencing alcohol poisoning.

Adult Consumption Patterns

Data ⁣reveals that 63.5% of adults have ‌consumed ⁣alcohol in the past month, with 16% engaging in occasional binge drinking. Approximately 6% of the population exhibits‌ risky drinking habits.

expert‌ opinion:​ No Safe Consumption Level

Rodrigo Córdoba García, a spokesman for⁣ the Spanish Family and Community Medicine Society ​(SEMFYC), stated ‍unequivocally, “There ⁣is no level of​ alcohol consumption that is beneficial for‌ health. There are no concepts of moderate or ‌responsible consumption.”

WHO’s Stance

The ‍World Health Institution (WHO) maintains that even small amounts of alcohol can cause cancer, particularly in women, emphasizing that the⁤ risk increases with greater​ consumption.

challenging ‍Misinformation

Córdoba noted the ⁢persistence of misinformation regarding⁣ the supposed benefits of alcohol, particularly wine, within some medical circles.He criticized the promotion of the idea that⁢ a daily drink can be beneficial for heart health, deeming it unacceptable ​from a scientific standpoint.

Mediterranean Diet Misconceptions

The SEMFYC spokesman clarified ⁤that while the Mediterranean diet is beneficial,it dose‌ not include alcohol.He⁤ cautioned against validating wine consumption as part of a ⁤healthy‍ lifestyle.

rethinking​ “Responsible Consumption”

Córdoba argued that terms like “responsible consumption” or “moderate consumption” should be abandoned, asserting that there is no responsible way to‍ consume a perhaps addictive and harmful substance.‍ He stated that control is no longer guaranteed after the third drink.

Moving ‍Away From a Drinking Culture

While acknowledging that a entirely​ abstinent society is unrealistic,Córdoba emphasized the ‍need for ⁣a clear and unambiguous message: “The less alcohol is consumed,the better.”

Early Consumption Risks

The consumption of alcohol among minors is particularly concerning, with the⁣ average age of initiation being 14⁤ years⁤ old. Córdoba warned that‍ starting to drink⁤ at age 14 quadruples the chances of developing alcohol-related problems in adulthood compared to those who⁢ start at 21.

Legislative ‌Delays

Córdoba criticized the lack of progress in legislating alcohol consumption among minors, noting ⁢that initiatives have been stalled as 2002 despite various promises and commissions.

Proposed Roadmap for Change

The manifesto outlines a roadmap that includes:

• Reducing alcohol demand through increased taxes aligned with European averages.
• Strictly regulating advertising and sponsorship, including in digital spaces and for non-alcoholic beverages, especially where minors‌ are present.
• Developing mandatory and comprehensive labeling on alcoholic beverages,with warnings about‌ health ⁣risks,risks during pregnancy,driving,development in minors,and caloric content.
• Monitoring compliance ⁤with the prohibition of public consumption, ⁢replacing fines with⁢ educational programs, and setting a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving.
• regulating schedules, accessibility, and visibility at ‌points of sale, and prohibiting ⁢aggressive promotions like “2-for-1” deals or “happy hours.”
• Implementing scientifically validated prevention programs in schools, with active family participation and without industry influence.
• Improving health and ‍social ⁣assistance, with professional training in early detection, brief intervention, and support without stigmatization, including harm reduction programs.
• Promoting alcohol-free leisure activities, generating⁣ healthy⁣ alternatives for young people ‌and families, and prioritizing research on alcohol consumption and ⁢public ⁤policies based on scientific evidence.

Call for Cultural‌ Shift

The document aims to foster a cultural shift that disconnects alcohol from celebrations and daily life, urging parents, educators, media, and social leaders to⁣ promote alternatives and⁣ reinforce health messages. Córdoba concluded, “We do not‌ intend a completely⁤ abstemious society, as‍ that today ​is unfeasible. But we do⁣ want a more ‌conscious, more critical,⁣ and better-informed society.”