Alcohol
For you and your community
Alcohol can affect health, wellbeing, families and communities. It is linked to cancer and other long-term diseases, as well as injuries, mental health harms and social problems.
Drinking less can reduce health risks and support better sleep, mood, energy, relationships and overall wellbeing.
You do not need to change everything at once. Small steps, such as choosing alcohol-free days or drinking less in social settings, can make a difference.
Less
alcohol means lower risk
for cancer and other diseases
Any drink
that contains alcohol
wine, beer and spirits all carry risks
Small steps
can support wellbeing
start with what feels realistic
Support
can help
if alcohol feels hard to control
Alcohol is not risk-free
Alcohol can affect many parts of health. It is linked to cancer, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, injuries, violence, mental health problems and family harm.
The greatest harms are linked to heavy drinking, but lower levels of alcohol can still increase health risks, including cancer risk.
The main message is simple: drinking less can lower risk. For some people, not drinking alcohol is the best choice.
Drinking less can make a difference
Reducing alcohol can bring benefits for individuals, families and communities.
Support long-term health
Drinking less can reduce the risk of cancer and other long-term diseases, including liver disease and cardiovascular disease.
Improve everyday wellbeing
People may notice better sleep, more energy, improved mood and better concentration when they drink less.
Support mental health
Alcohol can affect stress, anxiety, low mood and sleep. Reducing alcohol may help support better mental wellbeing.
Reduce accidents and injuries
Drinking less can reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, falls, violence and other harms.
Support families and communities
Reducing alcohol-related harm can help families, workplaces and communities feel safer and healthier.
Small steps can make a difference
Everyone’s situation is different. Some people do not drink alcohol, some want to drink less, and others may need support to reduce or stop drinking.
You can:
- Choose alcohol-free days during the week
- Try alcohol-free drinks in social settings
- Drink water between alcoholic drinks
- Decide in advance how much you want to drink
- Choose smaller servings or lower-strength options
- Avoid drinking when stressed, tired, sad or under pressure
- Plan social activities that do not centre on alcohol
- Support friends and family who choose to drink less or not drink
- Talk to someone or seek support if alcohol is becoming difficult to control
The goal is not perfection. Even small reductions can support health and wellbeing.
Drinking less is easier when surroundings support it
Alcohol use is shaped by the places, people and messages around us. Price, availability, marketing, social events, workplace culture and family habits can all influence how much people drink.
This means drinking less is not only about willpower. Supportive surroundings can make healthier choices easier.
Alcohol-free options, social support, clear information and environments that do not make alcohol the centre of every occasion can all help.
Helpful surroundings can include
Families, friends, workplaces, communities and public institutions can all help make drinking less easier and more normal.
It can be easier when there are:
- Alcohol-free choices that feel normal and accessible
- Social events where alcohol is not the main focus
- Clear information about alcohol and health
- Workplaces that do not centre social life around alcohol
- Friends and family who support drinking less
- Health services that offer brief advice and support
- Community services for people who need help
- Less exposure to alcohol marketing and promotion
Supportive environments make lower-risk choices easier, fairer and more realistic.
Common myths about alcohol
There is a lot of advice and opinion about alcohol, and not all of it is reliable. Some messages can make alcohol seem safer or more beneficial than it really is.
“Only heavy drinking is harmful”
Heavy drinking causes the greatest harm, but even lower levels of alcohol can increase the risk of some diseases, including cancer.
“Wine or beer is safer than spirits”
The risk comes from the alcohol itself, not only the type of drink. Beer, wine and spirits all contain alcohol.
“Alcohol is good for the heart”
This message can be misleading and may downplay known health risks, including cancer risk.
“Alcohol harm is only about addiction”
Alcohol can also contribute to cancer, injuries, violence, mental health problems, family harm and social inequalities.
“Everyone drinks”
Not everyone drinks alcohol, and many people choose to drink less or not drink at all. These choices should be respected and supported.
Prevention should support people, not blame them
Alcohol harm does not affect everyone in the same way. Stress, income, working conditions, mental health, social pressure, family circumstances and access to support can all influence drinking and alcohol-related harm.
Some people may find it difficult to reduce or stop drinking without support. Needing help is not a failure.
A fair approach gives people reliable information, respectful support and healthier surroundings, without blame or stigma.
Less alcohol means lower risk
Drinking less can support your health, wellbeing, relationships and daily life. Small steps can make a real difference, especially when they are realistic and supported by the people and places around you.
You can start with one change: an alcohol-free day, a smaller serving, an alcohol-free drink, or asking for support if alcohol feels difficult to control.
The goal is to make healthier choices easier, more accepted and more realistic in everyday life.
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