Post on 24-Dec-2015
What is the scale of the alcohol problem in Merseyside?
Michela MorleoAlcohol Research Manager
June 2009
Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University
Overview
• Alcohol consumption– In England and in Merseyside
• Experience of alcohol-related harms– In England and in Merseyside
• So why drink?
The situation in England
• Different patterns of drinking– Low level drinking– Binge drinking– More habitual drinking
• Eight million hazardous drinkers• Two million harmful drinkers• What does this mean?
Source: NWPHO (2008)
What does that mean?
Women• Hazardous consumption– 15 to 35 units– Per day:
• Harmful consumption– Over 35 units per week– Per day:
Men• Hazardous consumption– 22 to 50 units per week– Per day:
• Harmful consumption– Over 50 units per week– Per day:
250 ml
250 ml
The situation in England
• Different patterns of drinking– Low level drinking– Binge drinking– More habitual drinking
• Eight million hazardous drinkers• Two million harmful drinkers• Dramatic variations across the
country
Source: Cook et al. (2008); NWPHO (2008)
And in Merseyside?
• High consumption in the North West and in Merseyside
Source: NWPHO (2008)
And in Merseyside?
• High consumption in the North West and in Merseyside
Source: NWPHO (2008)
How much do we really drink?
• Surveys underestimate consumption• Estimates of mean weekly units– Surveys: 16 units– Taxation estimates: 25 units– Difference = one bottle of wine per week
per drinking adult!– Excludes • Illegal sales • Personal imports • Consumption abroad • Home brew (4 units/week)
Source: Bellis et al. (in press); HM Revenue and Customs, General Household Survey
Alcohol and related harms
• Consequences?– 530,000 hospital admissions– 331,248 recorded violent crimes– 6,514 sexual offences– 40,940 incapacity benefits claimants– £20 billion cost to the economy in the UK
• As with consumption, levels of harm vary• Even low levels increase risk– Finland: two thirds of alcohol-related
problems and hospitalisations are reported by light to moderate drinkers
Source: NWPHO (2008); Poikolainen et al. (2007); Strategy Unit (2003)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Quantity of pure alcohol consumed daily (grammes)
Lif
etim
e m
ort
alit
y ri
sk
per
100
po
pu
lati
on
Men Women
Daily consumption vs lifetime risk of mortality
Source: Australian National Health and Medical Research Council
Ignores risks from accidents, violence and injury
Sensible limits
Shared between 2
Shared between 2
And in Merseyside?
• Alcohol-related harm is higher in the North West and Merseyside
Source: NWPHO (2008)
And in Merseyside?
• Alcohol-related harm is higher in the North West and Merseyside
Source: NWPHO (2008)
Community impacts
Merseyside Big Drink Debate findings• 44.3% avoid the town centre at night because of
others’ drunken behaviour• 47.5% think action is needed to tackle alcohol in their
area• 72.8% are concerned by others’ the drunken behaviour• Specific concerns:– Fire: 19.7%– Litter: 46.5%– Crime: 55.7%– Children drinking in the street/parks: 74.8%
Source: Cook et al. (2009)
Are things getting better?
• Males : 40% ↑• Females: 39% ↑
Source: NWPHO (2008)
So why drink?
Source: Carlin et al. (2008); Cook et al. (2008)
To relax67%
To socialise47%
To enjoy with food48%
To gain confidence
13%
To forget problems8%
To relieve boredom8%
In conclusion
• Excessive consumption in Merseyside is leading to high levels of alcohol-related harm
• A variety of harms are experienced– Crime, health and mortality, employability
• Overall, levels of harm are not decreasing and guidance suggests even low levels of consumption can put individuals at significant risk
• Yet individuals continue to drink• Interventions must account for drinking
motivations if they are to successfully provoke change
Michela MorleoAlcohol Research Manager
m.j.morleo@ljmu.ac.uk
(0151) 231 8128
Centre for Public Health Research DirectorateLiverpool John Moores University
www.cph.org.uk