In Guadeloupe, alcohol consumption is lower than in France, according to Santé Publique France; it also has fewer unfortunate consequences. However, cases of occasional heavy drinking are increasing between 2014 and 2021. 636 people were taken to hospital following abuse in 2023.
The ravages of alcohol no longer need to be demonstrated. Excessive, even recurring, consumption harms your health, in the short and long term; it can even lead to death. It is the cause of 41,000 deaths per year in France, a country where the level of consumption is above the European average and on a global scale.
Guadeloupe stands out in this area. We drink less in the archipelago than across the Atlantic, according to Santé Publique France, which published this week “regional data on alcohol consumption in 2021 and emergency room visits directly linked to alcohol in 2023″.
However, the figures demonstrate the need to continue, or even implement, local prevention policies.
In 2021, 5% of adults aged 18 to 75 reported drink alcohol daily (compared to 8% in mainland France). This rate is stable compared to 2014, with the exception of 61/75 year olds who raise their elbows less than before (7.1% compared to 13%).
One phenomenon is of concern: occasional heavy drinking (API). 13.1% of 18-75 year olds drink alcohol recklessly every month, this is three points more than in 2014 even if, admittedly, this proportion is lower than at the national level (16.5%). The increase concerns more the 31/60 year olds, as well as people with little or no qualifications. Men are 3.5 times more likely than women to indulge in this type of occasional excessive drinking.
There limit not to be exceeded was not respected by 11.9% of 18/75 year olds in 2021 (22% nationally). Men (20%) are much more inclined to exceed consumption benchmarks than women (5.3%). 18/30 year olds are more respectful of the limit not to be exceeded.
As a reminder, the “benchmarks for lower-risk consumption” are the following :
- Do not consume more than ten standard glasses per week;
- Do not consume more than two glasses per day;
- Have days without consumption in a week.
In summary and for a good understanding of the general Public: “For your health, alcohol is a maximum of two drinks per day and not every day.“.
“In 2023, 636 emergency visits directly linked to alcohol have been recorded”indicates Public Health France.
These patients were predominantly men.
More people aged 46 to 60 had to be hospitalized after drinking alcohol.
In 47% of cases, people suffered from acute alcohol poisoning.
Such situations are less frequent in the archipelago than nationally.
All these inconveniences (these dramas, sometimes) can be avoided.
A service exists for those who want to be accompanied: Alcohol service infowhose players offer consumers and those around them information and tools to take stock of their consumption, as well as advice and help, by internet or by telephone, seven days a week. They answer the number d Non-premium rate call: 0 980 980 930.
FOR FURTHER/
The complete epidemiological update from Public Health France can be consulted > by clicking here.
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