Ireland: Alcohol ‘a factor in one in four deaths’ of young men in Ireland

Newstalk
By Jack Quann
June 16, 2022

Men are being urged to rethink their drink, as part of Men’s Health Week.

Alcohol Action Ireland says alcohol is a factor in one in four deaths of young men aged 15-39 in Ireland.

It also says most of the messages men get about alcohol emphasise “a positive picture”.

This includes relaxing and having fun with friends – but it says people don’t talk often about the negatives.

“The more you drink, the greater your risk of alcohol-related harm,” it says.

“Alcohol also increases your risk of several types of cancers such as mouth, throat, bowel and liver cancer.

“Each year in Ireland an estimated 670 men are diagnosed with alcohol attributable cancers”, it adds.

Dr Bobby Smyth from Alcohol Action says men should stop and think.

“Our message today is a simple one – after two let’s rethink the next one.

“Drinking within low-risk guidelines will reduce your risk of harm from alcohol.

“There is no ‘safe’ or ‘healthy’ amount of alcohol, but the less you drink, the lower the risk to your health.”

And Dr Smyth says alcohol can often have the opposite effect of what men use it for.

“Many men see alcohol as a way to relax and de-stress.

“However, alcohol can make it harder to cope with day-to-day stresses.

“At first, alcohol can seem to lessen symptoms of low mood and anxiety, but continued drinking will cause these feelings to worsen.”