My guest this week, public health physician and specialist in addiction medicine, Associate Professor Dr Robert Ali, is very well qualified to discuss the health impacts of alcohol consumption.
Our conversation ranges over the short and long term health effects of alcohol consumption including increased risk of certain diseases, some of which may surprise you. We look at what constitutes a standard drink and the public health recommendations in Australia about alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of harm. We discuss public health measures that are taken and could be taken to education the population about reducing the risk of harm associated with alcohol, particularly in relation to teenagers.
Dr Ali’s speaks to his area of expertise, alcohol as an addictive substance, including which people or groups in society are more vulnerable to alcohol addiction, how to recognise if you or someone you care about has a problematic relationship with alcohol and where to seek help.
I put the “French paradox” (that small amounts of red wine may have cardio protective effects) to Dr Ali and he provides a considered and enlightening response.
LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST
National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol – https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/health-advice/alcohol
ASSIST Plus (substance involvement screening test) – https://assistplus.com.au
Know your options (finding help for alcohol and other drug problems) – https://knowyouroptions.sa.gov.au
TELEPHONE NUMBERS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST
National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015
Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia: 1300 13 13 40
