British Columbians are consuming alcohol at rates lower than they have in decades, but the province’s health officials say we are still drinking too much.
According to a new report, Living Well, Drinking less: Reducing Alcohol-related Harms in BC, released this week, the average resident consumes 8.8 standard drinks per week, which is higher than the national average of 8.2.
This is also significantly higher than the recommended maximum of one to two drinks to avoid most alcohol-related health risks, it says.
Men drink more alcohol than women. Male seniors are the highest consumers of alcohol, at an average of 15 standard drinks per week.
On the plus side, youth appear to be starting drinking at an older age and drinking less overall.
Dr. Martin Lavoie says that in 2023, 38 per cent of youth had tried alcohol. This is significantly lower than the 58 per cent reported in 2003.
“The good news is that the levels have been decreasing over the last 20 years steadily,” Lavoie said.
“We are seeing this decline, and it’s a pretty significant decline over the years, which is good news.”
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The study found that British Columbians are interested in learning more about alcohol use and its risks.
“Many people are unaware of the full health risks associated with alcohol use,” the study says.
“Public awareness of these risks is essential to support informed decision-making and reduce preventable harm.”
The report recommends the province develop a provincial alcohol strategy as a collaborative effort between the ministries of health, agriculture and food, and public safety. This should also be developed in partnership with First Nations and Métis Nation British Columbia, it says. The strategy should prioritize reducing health harms from alcohol and balance the revenues the government collects from alcohol with its associated health and social costs, according to the report.
It also recommends placing warning labels on packaging, among other ideas.
Overall, the report says there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
“Drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing chronic diseases as well as cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, mouth and throat, liver, esophagus, and larynx,” it says.