Test your knowledge

about alcohol

MYTH

REALITY

Until 1970´s Nordic Countries were among the most abstinent in Europe. In 2011, alcohol

consumption inFinland is the highest of the Nordic countries. Finns are drinking more and more, because alcohol was made cheap,more easily available and is aggressively advertised.

Northern Europeans have always been heavy drinkers.

Documented consumption of alcohol in 1973- 2003

Problems arise from both binge drinking and moderate, regular drinking.

European drinking habits are causing harm to many:o 55 million European adults drink to dangerous

levelso 23 million alcohol addictedo 5- 9 million children living with parents addicted

to alcoholo death of ~25% of young men and ~10% of

young women was caused by alcohol

MYTH

REALITY Urgent trip to Italy?

We should all embrace so called “European drinking culture” ("less but often").

MYTH

REALITY

Drinking is a harmless way of having fun.

Hazardous and harmful use of alcohol is the leading cause of premature death in Europe.

Drinking is associated with several infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis) and contributes significantly to unintentional and intentional injuries (road traffic accidents, suicide, violence).

Economic losses caused by alcohol are far greater than those caused by tobacco or illicit drugs.

MYTH

REALITY

Alcohol improves social capabilities.

Alcohol temporarily removes inhibitions, but in the long run it corrodes social abilities.

- Alcohol damages the brain (even more oftenthan the liver): the majority of problems caused by alcohol are mental and behavioral disturbances.

MYTH

REALITY

Alcohol advertising does not increase alcohol consumption

Advertisement increases teenagers' alcohol consumption and increases their probability to start drinking. (The European Alcohol and Health Forum).

Teenagers come across alcohol ads on TV, billboards, internet, events sponsored by breweries etc.They are lured with humor, music and games.

Moderate use of alcohol is notdangerousto health.

REALITY

MYTH

There is no safe drinking limit. Alcohol has the same rating on the cancer-risk scale as cigarettes and asbestos (IARC).

• Even one glass of wine per day increases the risk of breast cancer and the risk of throat cancer (INCA).

• Apart from being addicted, alcohol causes about 60 different diseases and conditions, including injuries, mental and behavioral disorders, gastrointestinal conditions, cardiovascular diseases, immunological disorders, lung diseases, skeletal and muscular diseases, reproductive disorders and pre-natal harm, including increased risk of prematurity and low birth weight.

MYTH

REALITY

Health education is a good way to influence drinking habits.

According to research, education alone is not enough. It is indispensable also to control pricing, availability, and marketing of alcohol.

Health education should not be abandoned, but improved. Public education campaings should:

- give information about the risks of alcohol

- give information of social assistance and treatment opportunities

- enhance the acceptance and adoption of more effective alcohol policies

MYTH

REALITYThe cost and harm of alcohol for society is far greater than the tax-income it generates.

•The total tangible cost of alcohol (actual spending on alcohol-related problems and unrealized potential production) to the European Union has been estimated at €125 billion, 1.3% of GDP (in 2003).• Aside from these direct costs, use of alcohol causes indirectly 152 - 764 billion Euros.• Total cost of alcohol in EU is 277 - 889 billion Euros per year.

Alcohol brings income to society.

MYTH

REALITY

You can only influence your own drinking habits, but not the alcohol use of others.

Drinking culture is collective. Even one person opposing uncontrolled alcohol use can make an impact to others' behaviour. Social pressure can either increase or reduce drinking.

MYTH

REALITY

Abstinence is the only possible option

Abstinence is a good option, but if you decide to use alcohol, you can avoid major health risks by drinking it seldom and in small quantities, e.g. one glass of wine with food. Getting intoxicated every time carries a risk.

When culture tolerates excessive drinking less and becomes less alcohol-focused:• choosing to abstain does not need to be defended• hazardous use of alcohol is easier to recognize in yourself and in others.