Australia's safe consumption of alcohol guidelines have changed, so what's the new limit? | ABC News

Summary

New health guidelines in Australia recommend adults limit alcohol intake to 10 standard drinks per week and no more than four in a single day to reduce harm. The guidelines warn pregnant women and those planning to conceive against alcohol consumption, as it poses risks to the developing fetus. For breastfeeding mothers, abstaining is advised for infant safety. The guidelines also stress that there is no safe level of drinking for teens under 18, whose brains are more susceptible to alcohol-related damage. The alcohol industry disputes these limits, arguing they're based on selective evidence. Public health officials urge moderation, especially during the holiday season.

Takeaways

• 🍺 Alcohol is deeply ingrained in Australian culture, often associated with relaxation and celebration.
• 🚫 New health guidelines recommend adults limit alcohol intake to 10 standard drinks per week and no more than 4 in a single day to reduce harm.
• 🤰 One in two pregnant women in Australia still consume alcohol, despite the risks, and are advised against it for the safety of their unborn child.
• 🚫 Pregnant or planning to become pregnant women, and those breastfeeding, are advised to abstain from alcohol completely.
• 🔞 For underage teens, the message is clear: there is no safe level of alcohol consumption due to the sensitivity of their developing brains.
• 🔗 There is a growing body of evidence linking alcohol consumption to various types of cancer, including those of the throat, mouth, windpipe, bowel, and breast.
• 📈 Each additional standard drink a woman has per day increases her risk of breast cancer by approximately 10 percent.
• 💬 The alcohol industry disputes the guidelines, claiming they are based on selective evidence and suggests higher limits for both men and women.
• 🤔 Public opinion varies on the new guidelines, with some arguing they don't go far enough, while others believe they are too restrictive.
• 🎅 Over the holiday season, public health officials emphasize the importance of moderation in alcohol consumption.

Q & A

What is the new recommendation for maximum alcohol intake per week in Australia according to the latest health advice?

The new independent guidelines recommend a maximum of 10 standard drinks a week for adults to reduce the risk of harm.

What is the advised limit for alcohol consumption in one day as per the new guidelines?

No more than four standard drinks in one day is the advised limit according to the new guidelines.

How many Australians are reportedly drinking alcohol at risky levels?

One in four Australians are drinking alcohol at risky levels.

What is the updated advice for pregnant women regarding alcohol consumption?

The dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy are now made explicit, and it is advised that women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should not drink alcohol.

What is the safest recommendation for women who are breastfeeding?

For women who are breastfeeding, not drinking alcohol is considered the safest option for their baby.

What is the stance on alcohol consumption for underage teens?

The advice for underage teens is that there is no safe level of drinking, as the brains of people under 18 are more sensitive to damage from alcohol.

How does alcohol consumption increase the risk of certain cancers?

The evidence increasingly links drinking to cancers of the throat, mouth, windpipe, bowel, and breast.

What is the impact of additional standard drinks on a woman's breast cancer risk?

Every extra standard drink that a woman has a day increases her breast cancer risk by around 10 percent.

What is the alcohol lobby's stance on the recommended 10-drink limit per week?

The alcohol lobby disputes the 10-drink-a-week limit, arguing it's based on selective evidence and suggesting that a man can have up to 20 drinks a week and a woman 15 drinks a week if spread across the week.

What is the public health message regarding alcohol consumption during the Christmas period?

Public health officials emphasize the message of moderation during the Christmas period.

What is the average alcohol consumption reported by some Australians?

Some Australians report drinking around 10 to 15 standard drinks on a weekend, with around six beers a night on weekdays.