Introduction
Alcohol drinking in social gatherings and celebrations is quite common worldwide, including in Hong Kong. However, many people are unaware of the harm that alcohol does to their health.
Health effects
Alcohol has both immediate and long-term effects on health. Drinking alcohol in large amount in a short period of time can lead to acute harm due to accident or violence to oneself and others. It also increases the risk of intoxication, even death. Being classified as a Group 1 carcinogen to humans, alcohol consumption causes cancers of mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colorectum, and female breasts. The more alcohol consumed and cumulated over time, the higher the risk of suffering from a wide range of long term illnesses including gastritis, gastric ulcers, liver cirrhosis, obesity, hypertension, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and mental illnesses. Pregnant women who drink alcohol have higher chance of giving birth to babies with birth defects, growth and developmental problems. Alcohol use is also associated with many serious social issues, including domestic violence, child neglect and abuse, and absenteeism in the workplace.
Situation in Hong Kong
Population Health Survey 2020-22 found that 8.7% of the population aged 15 or above drank alcoholic beverages regularly (drank at least once per week) in the 12 months preceding the survey. The proportions of regular drinkers were higher among males (14.1%) than females (4.0%). By age group, the proportions of regular drinkers were relatively lower at 3.8% among the young (i.e. aged 15-24) and at 2.1% among the old (i.e. aged 85 or above), and was the highest at 11.1% among the middle age group 45-54. The survey also revealed that 2.0% of people aged 15 or above had binge drinking (i.e. drinking at least 5 cans of beer, 5 glasses of table wines or 5 pegs of spirits on a single occasion) at least monthly.
Health advices
Non-drinkers should not start drinking for the perceived health benefits of alcohol consumption. For those who choose to drink alcoholic beverages, limit the drink or even quit drinking to minimise alcohol-related harm. Do not binge drink at any time. Pregnant women, children and adolescents, people feeling unwell or on drug treatment as well as those operating machine or driving, should not drink.
Related information
To learn more about minimising alcohol-related harm, please visit related webpage (Alcohol and Health) on the "Change for Health" website of the Department of Health.