Give Childhood a Chance and Keep Youth Drug Free!

All Alcohol is Harmful
Until now many researchers have spoken about the harmful use of alcohol; i.e. the emphasis has been on the user. It has been argued that people- their behavior and drinking habits are to blame for alcohol harm. IBC has taken a different view and we have emphasized that the problem is the product itself. Alcohol is not an ordinary product- it causes health harm and addiction, this is why strong alcohol policies are so important. Strong policies in turn guide public health and support people in healthier life style.  IBC advocates for evidence based policies to protect all people from this harmful product.
On August 23rd 2018, there was a significant publication in the field of alcohol research. A study by Global Burden of Disease collaborators conducted within 195 countries proves what IBC with many others in the field of alcohol harm have argued for a long time. All alcohol is harmful to health. The study highlights that:
”Alcohol use is a leading risk factor for global disease burden and causes substantial health loss. We found that the risk of all-cause mortality, and of cancers specifically, rises with increasing levels of consumption, and the level of consumption that minimises health loss is zero. These results suggest that alcohol control policies might need to be revised worldwide, refocusing on efforts to lower overall population-level consumption.” (Lancet study Published Online 23 août 2018 https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140-6736(18)31310-2.pdf)

There is obviously limitations in all studies and some counter arguments are emerging already. Still, as a starting point we are now on the right track acknowledging that the product itself is harmful. People make good and bad health choices but products that are harmful to health need strong policies and good public health prevention.  The Blue Cross has a mandate to drive evidence based policies. Please read the study and use it to advocate within your country. Advocate for the WHO guided three best methods on alcohol policy: increased price and tax, limiting availability and restricting marketing. When we advocate for these we are changing the world together!