There's nothing like relaxing with a glass of wine after a long day. Many of us enjoy a cheeky tipple or two as a way to unwind, chat with friends, or indulge our taste buds. But have you ever stopped to think about the dangers of drinking, especially budget-friendly cask wine?

Well, it might be time to rethink your boxed wine habit. Recent research conducted at Melbourne’s La Trobe University has revealed a worrying health warning about those who indulge in cask wine: Consumers are more likely to be heavy drinkers than those who favour higher-cost bottled alternatives simply because of its affordability and accessibility.

Globally, alcohol ranks as the third most prevalent cause of preventable diseases and disabilities. Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay

According to the study, which involved a survey of around 2000 participants, cask wine drinkers averaged 6.5 standard drinks per day—that's more than double the number of daily beverages (3.2) consumed by moderate-and-high-cost wine drinkers. Meanwhile, low-cost bottled wine drinkers had around 4.3 standard drinks a day on average.

The once-popular tipple is now losing ground to the more expensive bottled alternatives due to a growing awareness of health risks associated with low-cost alcohol and the emerging social stigma attached to 'goon' bags. As a result, there was a 30 per cent drop in cask wine sales between 2004 and 2014, coinciding with an almost 40 per cent increase in bottled wine sales, as the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported.

Another interesting finding in the study was that cask wine was primarily consumed at home, while other forms of alcohol were more likely to be enjoyed in social settings, such as bars, nightclubs, and even barbecues.

Alexandra Torney, the lead study author from La Trobe’s Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, explained, 'There is typically a stigma that surrounds cask buying, where it’s not seen as maybe socially appropriate to consume at things like barbecues or other social events.'

Notwithstanding the potential social stigma, another concerning issue is the detrimental effects that excessive alcohol consumption can have on our health. Alcohol is the third most common preventable cause of disease and disability worldwide. It's also responsible for approximately 3 million deaths and more than 5 per cent of disability-adjusted life years annually.

The Dangers of Excessive Alcohol Consumption​

Day by day, our bodies become less tolerant of alcohol and more vulnerable to damaging health effects, making it even more important for us to be mindful of our drinking habits.

Consuming more than 3 or 4 standard drinks per day (or 28 per week) is considered unsafe and can increase the risk of long-term illnesses, such as high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, and liver disease. In addition, drinking alcohol can even trigger certain mental health conditions, such as depression or dementia.

Aside from the health risks, excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to increases in risk-seeking behaviour, such as the decision to drive under the influence. This carries further risks as our bodies and cognitive abilities decline with age, making it more likely for us to be involved in a serious accident.

It’s also important to be aware of certain factors which, when combined with alcohol consumption, can further increase the risk of accidental injury or harm. Common things to watch out for include the consumption of alcohol alongside medications – both legally prescribed and over-the-counter. Similarly, it’s important to control our drinking whilst following a stringent nutritional diet in order to maintain our general well-being.

Key Takeaways

• Researchers at Melbourne’s La Trobe University found that people who drink boxed wine are more likely to be heavy drinkers.
• A survey of about 2000 people showed those who drank cask wine averaged about 6.5 standard drinks per day, more than twice the number of daily beverages for moderate-and-high-cost wine drinkers (3.2).
• There was a 30 per cent drop in cask wine sales between 2004 and 2014, coinciding with an almost 40 per cent increase in bottled wine sales, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
• Alcohol is the third most common preventable cause of disease and disability worldwide and is responsible for approximately three million deaths and more than 5 per cent of disability-adjusted life years annually.

Reflecting on the impact of alcohol as a significant cause of preventable disease and disability worldwide, it's crucial to consider our own drinking habits. So, here's a question for you: How do you ensure responsible alcohol consumption in your daily life? Are there any strategies or practices you follow to maintain a healthy balance? Share your insights and experiences to inspire others to make informed choices.

Additionally, if you ever need support or assistance regarding alcohol-related concerns, remember that resources such as Lifeline (call 13 11 14) and Beyondblue (call 1300 22 4636) are available, along with healthcare professionals who can provide guidance. Let's prioritise our well-being and continue enjoying our favourite beverages while being mindful of the potential risks. Stay safe, happy, and responsible in your daily activities!

 

[Mina vriesekolk]

Just stay away from the booze , it is expensive and no health benefits.
It can cause cancer , liver damage , interacts with a lot of medication .
Driving under influence can cause serious damage . Some people get very violent after drinking . They may feel good after drinking , just wait for the hangover the next day . Just not worth it . Enjoy some safer options like real fruit juice without the sugar , smoothies , good coffee or tea .
If I go out , I stick to water , there is nothing wrong with and usually I am the dedicated driver.