To learn more about minimising alcohol-related harm, please visit related webpage (Alcohol and Health) on the 'Change for Health' website of the Department of Health. Pregnant women, children and adolescents, people feeling unwell or on drug treatment as well as those operating machine or driving, should not drink. For those who choose to drink alcoholic beverages, limit the drink or even quit drinking to minimise alcohol-related harm. Non-drinkers should not start drinking for the perceived health benefits of alcohol consumption. drinking at least 5 cans of beer, 5 glasses of table wines or 5 pegs of spirits on a single occasion) at least monthly in the 12 months preceding the survey. The survey also revealed that 2.9% of people aged 15 or above had binge drinking (i.e. By age group, the proportions of regular drinkers were highest among people aged 55-64 (12.0%) and relatively lower among people aged 15-24 (2.6%) and those aged 85 or above (2.3%). The proportions of regular drinkers were higher among males (15.0%) than females (3.2%). at least one day a week) in the 12 months preceding the survey. The Health Behaviour Survey 2018/19 found that 8.8% of community-dwelling persons aged 15 years or above drank alcoholic beverages regularly (i.e. Alcohol use is also associated with many serious social issues, including domestic violence, child neglect and abuse, and absenteeism in the workplace. Pregnant women who drink alcohol have higher chance of giving birth to babies with birth defects, growth and developmental problems. The more alcohol consumed and cumulated over time, the higher the risk of suffering from a wide range of long term illnesses including gastritis, gastric ulcers, liver cirrhosis, obesity, hypertension, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and mental illnesses. A detailed list of pure alcohol consumption in liters per capita (for those 15 years old and above). Being classified as a Group 1 carcinogen to humans, alcohol consumption causes cancers of mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colorectum, and female breasts.

It also increases the risk of intoxication, even death. Drinking alcohol in large amount in a short period of time can lead to acute harm due to accident or violence to oneself and others. However, many people are unaware of the harm that alcohol does to their health.Īlcohol has both immediate and long-term effects on health. Alcohol drinking in social gatherings and celebrations is quite common worldwide, including in Hong Kong.

Alcohol consumption by country