Introduction

Many people enjoy a few drinks during social gatherings. It is important to drink sensibly. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol dependency and numerous health problems.

Health effects

Excessive alcohol consumption may lead to neurological, gastrointestinal, hepatic and cardiovascular complications. Acute alcohol intoxication can lead to loss of control over one's behaviour, increased risk of accidents and even neurological & respiratory depression. Chronic alcoholism can cause vitamin B1 deficiency, damage the nervous system and result in tremor, seizures, memory loss and confusion. Excessive alcohol consumption also increases the risks of oesophagitis, gastritis, gastric ulcers and a wide range of cancers including cancers of oral, oesophagus, colon and rectum, liver and breast. Besides, heavy drinkers have higher risk of pancreatitis, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and heart diseases. Obesity can be a consequence of chronic alcohol consumption.

Situation in Hong Kong

The Behavioural Risk Factor Survey April 2010 reported that among people aged 18-64, 16.8% were regular drinkers who drank at least one day a week. Drinking was more prevalent among men, 27.4% males drank at least one day a week while only 7.8% of females did so. The survey also revealed that 7.2% of people had binge drinking (consumed five or more glasses or cans of alcoholic drinks in a row) in the month prior to the interview, of which people aged 25-34 (9.0%) had a higher rate of binge drinking.

Drink sensibly

Non-drinkers should not start drinking simply for the perceived health benefits of alcohol consumption. If drinking at all, it should be done sensibly and within appropriate settings and limits. Children and pregnant women should never drink. Also avoid alcohol before driving, operating machine, handling dangerous goods or vigorous exercise.

Related information

To learn more about avoiding alcohol abuse, please browse our website of the Health Zone.