Alcohol: Drink Less and Live More

Abstract

The UK Chief Medical Officer recently revised its guidelines for alcohol drinking (2016, January 8 th ). They recommended drinking less than 14 units per week for men and women, and not to indulge in heavy drinking sessions. This report will be very useful for a current initiative by the National Union of Students (NUS), aimed at reducing the culture of heavy drinking on campuses across Britain [1]. The core problem is how to achieve this target, and in this regard we can learn from previous health campaigns. The simple message 'Don't drink and drive' was first introduced around fifty years ago in 1964, and it proved successful in changing attitudes and behaviours [2]. It was based on the emerging data which showed the increased risk of car accidents and deaths when under the influence of alcohol. Similarly the anti-cigarette smoking programmes from several decades ago led to enduring health gains. They followed the pioneering studies of smoking and non-smoking doctors in the UK by Doll and Hill [3], along with confirmatory studies from other countries [4,5]. The ensuing government-led public health campaigns helped to completely transform beliefs and attitudes. It should be noted that these changes in public consciousness were not sudden, but occurred more gradually over years and decades. They were facilitated by articles in popular magazines, lively debates between advocates and opponents on radio programmes, and other activities across the mass media. Over time, they led to reduced rates of initiation, and increased rates of smoking cessation. The health benefits to individuals, and cost savings for the health services, have been dramatic [4]. The core messages for the previous these health campaigns were simple statements or mantras: smoking causes cancer, drunk driving kills. We need a similar health message for alcohol drinking. Hence our following suggestion: 'Alcohol: Drink Less and Live More' . It is simple and general, and like many broad statements it has multiple meanings. In physical terms, it indicates health benefits and longer life expectancy [6]. It promises less liver disease, fewer cancers, and many other medical gains. Psychologically, it promises fewer personal accidents and self-injuries, less interpersonal violence and aggression. Other benefits would include fewer unwanted pregnancies, fewer rapes, a reduction in alcohol-related crimes and prison incarcerations. In terms of 'positive psychology' , it promises more enjoyment and greater happiness. In a recent pilot study from the University of Brighton and its Students' Union Partnership [7], not only was self-reported alcohol consumption markedly reduced, but those who took part in non-alcohol-focused events reported having a more enjoyable evening. Small amounts of alcohol can facilitate social interactions, and it is when larger amounts are taken that the problems occur [8][9][10]. Hence a core aim should be to encourage the 'continental' mode of drinking. Another related aim could be to encourage the overall benefits of a zero-alcohol...

Mood Fluctuation and Psychobiological Instability: The Same Core Functions Are Disrupted by Novel Psychoactive Substances and Established Recreational Drugs

“…The acute mood effects of all psychoactive drugs can be highly variable and may differ considerably between individuals. On alcohol some users become happy and jovial, while others become moody and aggressive, especially after excess levels of consumption [ 5 , 16 , 17 ]. In a similar way, Le Strat et al [ 18 ] documented a wide range of responses to an acute dose of cannabis.…”

Recreational stimulants, herbal, and spice cannabis: The core psychobiological processes that underlie their damaging effects

“…Governments need to fund basic education campaigns, describing their adverse health and psychobiological consequences. Public health campaigns have been effective at educating the public about the adverse effects of tobacco smoking and have led to massive reductions in tobacco usage, while equivalent programmes have been outlined for excessive alcohol drinking (Parrott, Drayson, & Henry, ). Similar education campaigns are urgently needed for both herbal cannabis and the artificial spice cannabinoids.…”