Risky drinking is known to be linked to health problems like liver disease, high blood pressure and certain forms of cancer. A new study from the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research now reveals how the behaviours of those who report risky drinking might have an impact on their health. This is the first time that risky drinking and health-related behaviours have been studied together in this way. The researchers find that risky drinking is linked to other risky habits like putting off seeing the doctor, unhealthy eating, and failure to wear a seat belt, thereby risking injury in a road traffic accident.

The researchers studied a group of nearly 8,000 members of the Kaiser Permanente Northwest integrated health plan in Oregon and Washington. They defined risky drinking as having three or more drinks a day, having four or more (women) or five or more (men) drinks at one sitting or having risky drinking diagnosed with a common screening tool.

Those reporting risky drinking were more likely to relieve their stress by smoking and unhealthy eating. They were also less likely to see the doctor regularly which, of course, would compound any health problems. When questioned, many admitted to embarrassment over their risky drinking and problems like overweight. They did not want to be ‘lectured’ or feel ashamed – so they stayed away from the doctor as much as possible. They also had a fatalistic view of their health – believing it was a matter of good or bad luck, and not something you can change yourself.

The study also showed that moderate drinkers – reporting one to three drinks a day – had better health than those in any other drinking category (abstainers, former drinkers, light drinkers). They were more likely to attend the doctor for routine medical checks and had generally healthier lifestyles. This study may tell us a lot about how personality, rather than just drinking behaviour, affects health. Risky drinking may be linked to a risk-taking personality, moderate drinking to a more enlightened, measured outlook. If the doctor took these attitudes into account it may be easier to coax people away from risky drinking – using encouragement and support, rather than being judgemental.

Source:

Green CA Drinking patterns, gender and health III: Avoiding versus seeking health care Addiction Research and Theory April 2010;18:160-180