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What is the scale of the alcohol problem in Merseyside?
Michela MorleoAlcohol Research Manager
June 2009
Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University
Overview
• Alcohol consumption– In England and in Merseyside
• Experience of alcohol-related harms– In England and in Merseyside
• So why drink?
The situation in England
• Different patterns of drinking– Low level drinking– Binge drinking– More habitual drinking
• Eight million hazardous drinkers• Two million harmful drinkers• What does this mean?
Source: NWPHO (2008)
What does that mean?
Women• Hazardous consumption– 15 to 35 units– Per day:
• Harmful consumption– Over 35 units per week– Per day:
Men• Hazardous consumption– 22 to 50 units per week– Per day:
• Harmful consumption– Over 50 units per week– Per day:
250 ml
250 ml
The situation in England
• Different patterns of drinking– Low level drinking– Binge drinking– More habitual drinking
• Eight million hazardous drinkers• Two million harmful drinkers• Dramatic variations across the
country
Source: Cook et al. (2008); NWPHO (2008)
And in Merseyside?
• High consumption in the North West and in Merseyside
Source: NWPHO (2008)
And in Merseyside?
• High consumption in the North West and in Merseyside
Source: NWPHO (2008)
How much do we really drink?
• Surveys underestimate consumption• Estimates of mean weekly units– Surveys: 16 units– Taxation estimates: 25 units– Difference = one bottle of wine per week
per drinking adult!– Excludes • Illegal sales • Personal imports • Consumption abroad • Home brew (4 units/week)
Source: Bellis et al. (in press); HM Revenue and Customs, General Household Survey
Alcohol and related harms
• Consequences?– 530,000 hospital admissions– 331,248 recorded violent crimes– 6,514 sexual offences– 40,940 incapacity benefits claimants– £20 billion cost to the economy in the UK
• As with consumption, levels of harm vary• Even low levels increase risk– Finland: two thirds of alcohol-related
problems and hospitalisations are reported by light to moderate drinkers
Source: NWPHO (2008); Poikolainen et al. (2007); Strategy Unit (2003)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Quantity of pure alcohol consumed daily (grammes)
Lif
etim
e m
ort
alit
y ri
sk
per
100
po
pu
lati
on
Men Women
Daily consumption vs lifetime risk of mortality
Source: Australian National Health and Medical Research Council
Ignores risks from accidents, violence and injury
Sensible limits
Shared between 2
Shared between 2
And in Merseyside?
• Alcohol-related harm is higher in the North West and Merseyside
Source: NWPHO (2008)
And in Merseyside?
• Alcohol-related harm is higher in the North West and Merseyside
Source: NWPHO (2008)
Community impacts
Merseyside Big Drink Debate findings• 44.3% avoid the town centre at night because of
others’ drunken behaviour• 47.5% think action is needed to tackle alcohol in their
area• 72.8% are concerned by others’ the drunken behaviour• Specific concerns:– Fire: 19.7%– Litter: 46.5%– Crime: 55.7%– Children drinking in the street/parks: 74.8%
Source: Cook et al. (2009)
Are things getting better?
• Males : 40% ↑• Females: 39% ↑
Source: NWPHO (2008)
So why drink?
Source: Carlin et al. (2008); Cook et al. (2008)
To relax67%
To socialise47%
To enjoy with food48%
To gain confidence
13%
To forget problems8%
To relieve boredom8%
In conclusion
• Excessive consumption in Merseyside is leading to high levels of alcohol-related harm
• A variety of harms are experienced– Crime, health and mortality, employability
• Overall, levels of harm are not decreasing and guidance suggests even low levels of consumption can put individuals at significant risk
• Yet individuals continue to drink• Interventions must account for drinking
motivations if they are to successfully provoke change
Michela MorleoAlcohol Research Manager
(0151) 231 8128
Centre for Public Health Research DirectorateLiverpool John Moores University
www.cph.org.uk
