A recent study led by Professor Simone Pettigrew from The George Institute for Global Health has found an effective method to reduce alcohol consumption. The study combined a warning about the cancer risks associated with alcohol with a practical action—tracking the number of drinks consumed. The findings show that this combination helped participants significantly cut down on their alcohol intake. This approach offers a straightforward and actionable strategy for promoting better health and reducing alcohol-related harm.

The research is particularly relevant to Australia, where alcohol use is a significant public health concern. Excessive drinking is linked to a range of serious health issues, including premature death, heart disease, digestive problems, and a higher risk of dementia. Even moderate alcohol consumption increases the likelihood of developing certain types of cancer. Professor Pettigrew emphasized that it’s important to raise awareness about alcohol’s carcinogenic properties while also providing people with practical tools to reduce their risk.

The study surveyed nearly 8,000 participants over three phases. The results showed that those who were encouraged to count their drinks while being informed about alcohol’s link to cancer consumed less alcohol. This suggests that offering a combination of information about the health risks of alcohol and an easy-to-follow strategy like drink-counting can help individuals make healthier choices and reduce their alcohol intake.