Alcohol: Risks That Are Still Too Little Known

According to data from the BEH published on February 19, 2019, alcohol remains the second leading cause of preventable death, with 41,000 attributable deaths per year, including 30,000 among men and 11,000 among women. Alcohol consumption is responsible for numerous health conditions, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. In 2015, 16,000 cancer deaths and 9,900 deaths from cardiovascular disease were attributable to alcohol consumption.

Risk reduction at the heart of Santé publique France’s strategy

Alcohol is the second leading determinant of health. The health risks of alcohol consumption begin with the very first daily drink. In response to this public health burden, Santé publique France and the National Cancer Institute conducted scientific research that established new consumption guidelines: a maximum of 10 drinks per week, a maximum of 2 drinks per day, and days during the week with no alcohol consumption. These can be summarized as: "For your health, a maximum of 2 drinks per day, and not every day."

"These new guidelines, without denying the pleasure that can be associated with alcohol consumption, allow the French public to make an informed choice to consume alcohol in a way that poses less risk to their health. "To reduce the health conditions impacted by alcohol consumption, we need all healthcare professionals, particularly primary care providers. That is why we are developing resources to support their practice of early detection and brief intervention," emphasizes François Bourdillon, Executive Director.

Healthcare professionals: the key players in prevention

To assist with early detection and brief intervention, Santé publique France is expanding the section dedicated to healthcare professionals on its remote assistance website, alcool-info-service.fr. The “Alcohol and Health” tab brings together the essential knowledge relevant to their practice. Four sections cover: the risks associated with alcohol consumption, guidelines for lower-risk consumption (For your health, a maximum of 2 drinks per day and not every day), screening and support for treatment, and an overview of alcohol consumption in France.

From February 20 to March 15, 2019, Santé publique France is launching a campaign aimed at healthcare professionals to raise awareness of the new alcohol consumption guidelines, the fact that risk exists starting with the first daily drink, and to encourage dialogue between healthcare professionals and patients.

The comprehensive initiative includes advertorials and a digital campaign (web banners and social media) encouraging healthcare professionals to make pro.alcool-info-service.fr their go-to resource.