Tell middle-aged drinkers that they are embarrassing, study says – Ireland

A new study has shown that a warning against middle-aged people at risk of getting bothered by drinking is more effective than improving behaviors.

The researchers found that adults between the ages of 30 and 65 had only "minor" concerns about the effects of alcohol on health.

A study from the University of Adelaide, which analyzed responses to alcohol consumption from 13 previous articles, showed that for people without water problems, the main obstacle to reducing risk consumption " .

Rather, the authors suggest that public health campaigns to reduce alcohol consumption may be more effective if they focus on the risk of behaving inappropriately after drinking too much.

Acceptable alcohol was considered to be "age-appropriate" or "life-appropriate" and allowed the group to always fulfill its responsibilities and social norms.

The authors stated: "The drinkers in these studies were aware of public health messages, but used alternative narratives to rephrase their behaviors so as to minimize or eliminate personal risks.

"Health was either described as a minor concern or not at all considered."

Emma Muhlack, Senior Researcher, said, "It is surprising that health does not count much in the way this group thinks about its alcohol consumption.

"We knew very little about the decision-making processes regarding alcohol consumption among middle-aged drinkers.

"The results of this review help us better understand how alcohol enters their daily lives and what factors need to be taken into account when trying to reduce alcohol consumption in this group."

Researchers suggest that campaigns that do not take responsibility for alcohol and the possible loss of respect may be more effective than health messages.