When alcohol guidelines don’t reflect a nation’s habits

A first-of-its kind study revealed that UK alcohol guidelines are so out of touch with what people actually drink that they are largely ignored.

Men should not regularly exceed three to four units of alcohol per day and women should not exceed two to three units per day, say the guidelines.

Trouble is, this has little relevance to drinking habits in the UK where drinking everyday is not the cultural norm, but weekend festivities traditionally get rowdy and, well, boozy.

A second hiccup is the presentation of the guidelines, which measures alcohol quantities in units, whereas most people in the UK measure their consumption by containers such as glasses, bottles or pints.

Working with 66 participants aged between 19 and 65 years old from varied socioeconomic backgrounds, researchers from the UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies set out to gauge how the guidelines are perceived.

People enjoy drinking, and the guidelines do not take this into account, say the researchers, who report that the Australian and Canadian guidelines were better received for they include separate advice for regular merriment and single occasion revelry.

Participants who reported putting a cap on their drinking said it was for practical reasons such as the next day’s responsibilities at work or school and not out of concern for their health.

“These findings not only help to explain why some drinkers disregard current guidelines, but also show that people make decisions about their drinking by considering their responsibilities and lifestyle, rather than just their health,” says lead author Melanie Lovatt from the University of Sheffield.

Participants hailed from both Scotland and England, which reveals that current UK guidelines are seen as irrelevant throughout diverse regions of the country.

To learn more about alcohol consumption, talk to your doctor.

The study was published in the journal Addiction.