Health outweighs hangovers

Over 3 in 5 Aussie drinkers (63%) attempt to minimize the effect of alcohol on their health by ‘offsetting’ their alcohol consumption by eating well (40%), exercising (34%) or only drinking on the weekends (25%).

New research commissioned by Dry July has found a societal shift in attitudes towards drinking, as more Australians (60%) are conscious of the effects of alcohol consumption on their health than they were a year ago.

The statistics show almost a quarter of Aussies are actually drinking less each week than the same time last year (24%), and of those, 47% are reducing intake due to weight concerns and/or physical health, above financial reasons (21%) and hatred of hangovers (21%).

The report has found more than a third (35%) of Aussie drinkers have been concerned at some stage in their life that they drink too much. They have also felt embarrassed (37%) and/or guilty (36%) about their bad behaviour while drunk. Almost one in five (17%) of Aussie drinkers have lied about their drinking habits to friends and/or family. Over a third (36%) of Aussie drinkers would like to reduce their drinking and three in five (61%) would like to encourage someone they care about to reduce their drinking.

However, the glass is still half empty for some experts as, despite the known health risks, a number of Australians have increased their drinking, and others believe it is more socially acceptable to drink a lot.

16% of Aussie drinkers are drinking more each week than last year, and half (51%) of Aussies believe there has been no shift in attitudes towards drinking, or that it is now more socially acceptable to drink a lot. Almost 30% of younger Aussies (aged 18-24) believe it is now more socially acceptable to drink a lot.

“It is incredible to see the positive change in behaviour among Aussies towards drinking,” says Dr Cris Beer, medical doctor and author of Healthy Liver. “Also, it’s great that many of us are eating well and exercising to keep healthy, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t counteract alcohol consumption or allow you to drink as much as you like, then go for a run the next day, for example. The Australian guidelines still recommend no more than two standard drinks on any day to reduce your risk of alcohol-related disease.”

Brett Macdonald, Dry July CEO and Co-Founder says, “Our research report has found that Australians are increasingly aware of their own health and are looking to make positive changes to their habits. This is why we’re encouraging everyone to sign up for Dry July – not only do you get to make a real difference to people affected by cancer but you’ll also notice your own drinking habits and the value of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.”

Dry July challenges Australians to go booze-free for a month to support people affected by cancer. Now in its ninth year, Dry July has raised more than $24 million to provide better services and environments for cancer patients and their families and carers.

By signing up to the Dry July challenge and making small improvements to their diet and exercise routine, participants can expect to experience a range of benefits:

• Weight loss

• Increased energy levels and higher productivity

• Better sleep

• Clearer head and skin

• No hangovers

Dr Cris Beer says, “Going alcohol-free for the month is a great way to naturally cleanse your liver and save yourself the empty calories from drinking. Alcohol is high in energy so even a few drinks can lead to weight gain. Dry July can help develop a more balanced attitude to drinking and kick start healthier habits for life.”