Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education find confusion about alcohol is widespread

The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education has warned that confusion about alcohol risk is widespread, with one particular trend worrying experts.

Almost half of alcohol drinkers in Australia down booze with the intention of getting drunk, a poll has found.

The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education has warned that confusion about alcohol risk is widespread, with many in the dark about a range of life-threatening diseases.

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“It is no wonder Australians are confused, with phrases such as ‘Drink responsibly’ and ‘Drink in moderation’ now commonplace and regularly used by the alcohol industry,” a report on the foundation’s ­latest annual alcohol poll says.

The attitudes and behaviours survey found most drinkers who consumed alcohol to get drunk still regarded themselves as responsible.

FARE chief executive ­Michael Thorn said: “Since 2011 there’s been an overall ­increase in the proportion of Australian drinkers who drink to get drunk from 35 to 47 per cent, with a quarter admitting to drinking to get drunk once or more a month.

“An overwhelming majority of Australian drinkers (87 per cent) consider themselves ­responsible drinkers, yet a high percentage of those drinkers consume alcohol to get drunk.”

The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education has warned that confusion about alcohol risk is widespread. Picture: iStock

Fewer than half of Australians were aware of the link ­between alcohol use and stroke (41 per cent), mouth and throat cancer (29 per cent), and breast cancer (16 per cent).

Mr Thorn said there was a critical need for public awareness campaigns about alcohol-related harms.

The YouGov Galaxy poll of 1820 people also found:

— Two thirds of Australians ­believe the nation has a problem with excess drinking or ­alcohol abuse;

— Three in five believe governments should ensure that ­alcohol is not cheaper than bottled water or soft drinks;

— Three-quarters support health warning labels on ­alcohol products;

— Half are concerned about children’s exposure to alcohol advertising and promotion when they are online;

— More than one-third have been affected by alcohol-­related violence.

The poll found 82 per cent of adults consumed alcohol. Three-quarters of them indulged on two days or fewer per week. A quarter did so three days or more per week.

Eight in 10 of those who had six to 10 standard drinks on a “typical occasion” considered themselves a responsible drinker.

And two-thirds of those who consumed 11 or more standard drinks on a typical occasion considered themselves responsible.

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