B.C. Alcohol Use Hits 20-Year Low but Remains Above National and Recommended Levels
The report says 38% of B.C. youth have tried alcohol, while male seniors average 15 drinks a week and officials urge warning labels and pricing changes.
- On Wednesday, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry released 'Living Well, Drinking Less,' a report documenting alcohol consumption trends in British Columbia at a 20-year low, though consumption remains above national and recommended health benchmarks.
- British Columbians consumed an average of 8.8 drinks per week in 2023, exceeding the 8.2 national average, while alcohol consumption contributes to approximately 7,000 new cancer cases annually in Canada.
- Among different age groups, male seniors average 15 drinks weekly—the highest consumption rate—while youth aged 12 to 19 show significant decline, with 38 per cent having tried alcohol compared to 58 per cent in 2003.
- The report recommends six actions, including mandatory warning labels on packaging and pricing adjustments based on alcohol content; Tim Naimi, director of the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research , said these changes could significantly reduce harms.
- Facing an estimated $768 million deficit from alcohol-related social and health costs, the province must develop a provincial alcohol strategy in partnership with First Nations and Métis Nation British Columbia, the report urges.
28 Articles
28 Articles
Peninsula News Review
Sooke News MirrorUVic data helps shape new report on alcohol consumption in B.C.
A new report from British Columbia’s provincial health officer is calling for stronger alcohol policies as the province continues to report higher alcohol consumption rates than the national average. On May 27, Henry released Living Well, Drinking Less: Reducing Alcohol Harms in B.C., a report documenting the impact of alcohol on British Columbians that drew on research expertise and data from the University of Victoria’s (UVic) Canadian Institu…
Alcohol use in B.C. still above national average despite hitting 20-year low - Creston Valley Advance
A new report from British Columbia’s provincial health officer is calling for stronger alcohol policies as the province continues to report higher alcohol consumption rates than the national average. On May 27, Henry released Living Well, Drinking Less: Reducing Alcohol Harms in B.C., a report documenting the impact of alcohol on British Columbians that drew on research expertise and data from the University of Victoria’s (UVic) Canadian Institu…
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