Spread the Word: No Amount of Alcohol is Safe!

Abstract

Excessive use of alcohol is prevalent in the United States, and there are a variety of adverse health effects. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study determined that no amount of alcohol is safe. The American Cancer Society’s 2020 guideline for diet and physical activity for cancer prevention is their first to advise that “it is best to not drink alcohol.” There is a need for increased awareness by both laypeople and health care professionals of the health and social hazards associated with alcohol. The Healthcare Professional’s Core Resource on Alcohol provides such training. The World Health Organization recommends population-based interventions such as increased alcohol taxes, restrictions or bans on alcohol advertising, and limits on places that sell alcohol. Gastroenterology nurses have a special opportunity to intervene with patients because a variety of gastroenterology conditions are alcohol-related. Our advocacy responsibility is to assist with the initiation of workplace, local, state, and national policies that promote the recommendations that no amount of alcohol is safe.