Discover the Effective Strategy to Cut Alcohol Consumption

Researchers have uncovered a compelling strategy to encourage individuals to moderate their alcohol consumption: this involves emphasizing the heightened cancer risk associated with drinking while simultaneously advocating for the practice of meticulously tracking each drink consumed.

The researchers’ conclusions, derived from a 2021 study, suggest that this dual approach—combining a rationale for reducing intake with actionable advice—can effectively bolster public health.

Excessive alcohol intake is not solely linked to cancer; it is also correlated with numerous adverse health outcomes, such as premature mortality, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal problems, and an elevated risk of dementia.

“Our findings indicate that merging information about the carcinogenic properties of alcohol with a concrete, practical action—namely, counting one’s drinks—encourages drinkers to decrease their alcohol intake,” remarked Simone Pettigrew, an economist and psychologist from The George Institute for Global Health, upon the release of the findings.

The study involved three surveys: the initial survey was completed by 7,995 participants, followed by a second survey completed by 4,588 individuals three weeks later, and the final survey, conducted three weeks thereafter, involved 2,687 respondents.

Participants were segmented into various groups, each exposed to distinct advertisements and messaging regarding alcohol consumption.

One particular combination emerged as notably effective, particularly when compared to a control group: a television advertisement linking alcohol with cancer, coupled with the suggestion to monitor drink intake, proved to be one of the most successful methods for encouraging participants to curtail their alcohol consumption.

Remarkably, this approach was the sole method that resulted in a significant decrease in alcohol intake over the subsequent six-week period.

Other interventions, such as advising participants to establish a limit on their drinks and adhere to it, did inspire some individuals to attempt reduction; however, the aforementioned combination yielded the most profound results among those involved in the study.

“Many individuals are unaware that alcohol is classified as a carcinogen,” noted Pettigrew. “Providing this crucial information to drinkers is essential. However, merely informing them about the risks is insufficient; we must also offer practical strategies to mitigate their risk.”

According to the World Health Organization, alcohol consumption is implicated in approximately 7 percent of premature deaths globally, and enhancing awareness about the associated health risks represents a viable method for addressing this issue.

While health organizations have explored methods to restrict alcohol availability and increase its cost, ultimately, it is the individual’s choices that will dictate any lasting changes in alcohol-related behavior over time.

This study was designed to reflect a population broadly representative of the Australian demographic, suggesting that while this approach may not universally apply elsewhere, the practice of counting one’s drinks could serve as a viable method for those seeking to reduce their alcohol intake.

“With limited resources available for alcohol harm-reduction initiatives, identifying the most resonant messages is critical for maximizing their impact,” emphasized Pettigrew.

The findings of this research were published in Addictive Behaviors.

An earlier version of this article originally appeared in June 2021.