2 drinks a week? US considering changing alcohol guidelines as study shows binge-drinking at all-time high

United States Considers Changing Alcohol Guidelines

Some hard news for those who like to imbibe in adult beverages from time to time — the United States may soon change its alcohol guidelines.

Current U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Guidelines

The current USDA guidelines, which have been in place since the 1990s, stipulate that men should stick to no more than two alcoholic beverages a day, while women should cut themselves off after one drink.

Potential Changes Based on Canada’s Alcohol Consumption Guidelines

Dr. George Koob, alcohol czar for President Joe Biden, recently told the Daily Mail that the U.S. is looking at Canada’s recent alcohol consumption guideline changes. Canada now recommends people limit themselves to two alcoholic drinks in a week’s time, down from the previous 15 weekly drinks for men and 10 for women, in order to reduce health risks associated with drinking.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The potential changes in alcohol guidelines align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. SDG 3 focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. By reducing alcohol consumption, the U.S. aims to improve public health and reduce the risks of heart disease and certain types of cancers.

Alcohol’s Impact on Health

Koob, also the director for the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), made clear that alcohol does not offer benefits to one’s health and that he doesn’t see consumption recommendation numbers ever going up. He emphasized that most of the benefits people attribute to alcohol are actually related to factors such as a healthy diet and socio-economic status.

Rise in Binge Drinking

A study out of the University of Michigan shows that binge drinking is on the rise across the country in people aged 35 to 50. The Monitoring the Future panel study, which looks at substance use behaviors, reported the highest prevalence of binge drinking ever recorded for that age group since the study began in the 1970s. Meanwhile, those aged 19-30 are less likely to drink and more likely to use marijuana and vaping products.

Alcohol Recommendations and Health Risks

According to the USDA, alcohol can lead to higher risks for heart disease and certain kinds of cancers in those who drink more than moderately. The U.S. alcohol recommendations are not up for review until 2025.

Conclusion

The potential changes in alcohol guidelines reflect a global effort to promote healthier lifestyles and align with the SDGs. By reducing alcohol consumption, the U.S. aims to improve public health outcomes and reduce the risks associated with excessive drinking.

Resources:

1. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Guidelines
2. Canada’s Alcohol Consumption Guideline Changes
3. Monitoring the Future Panel Study
4. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025

If You Need Help:

• If you believe you have a substance abuse problem, know you are not alone. The National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Hotline can be reached at 1-800-662-4357.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The article discusses the potential change in alcohol guidelines in the United States to reduce health risks associated with drinking. This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. It also relates to SDG 12, which focuses on responsible consumption and production to ensure sustainable patterns of consumption and production.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
• SDG 12.8: Ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature

The article highlights the need to address alcohol consumption as a form of substance abuse and harmful use. This aligns with SDG 3.5, which focuses on strengthening prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including alcohol. Additionally, promoting awareness of the health risks associated with alcohol consumption relates to SDG 12.8, which aims to ensure that people have relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator: Changes in alcohol consumption guidelines
• Indicator: Prevalence of binge drinking

The article mentions the potential change in alcohol consumption guidelines in the United States, which can serve as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 3.5 and SDG 12.8. Additionally, the article highlights the increase in binge drinking prevalence among people aged 35 to 50, which can be used as an indicator to monitor progress in addressing harmful alcohol use.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: fox8.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.