Should alcohol have warning labels on the packaging as cigarettes do?

Dry Feb challenges you to go alcohol-free in February

by David Penny

A news story released by CTV and other media highlights a report from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) surrounding lower consumption and the suggestion of labelling alcoholic beverage packages with the number of servings per container as well as health warning labels like cigarettes.

In the early 2000s, Canada introduced graphic warning labels on cigarette packages. In various studies of more than 650 participants conducted when the labels came into effect, 23% of participants attempted to quit within the first three months and 40% of those who quit remained abstinent a year later. Results showed that smokers who read, thought about and discussed the warning labels in greater depth at the outlay of the studies were significantly more likely to quit, attempt to quit or reduce their smoking a year after the studies.

While alcohol consumption is linked to physical health issues, there are also numerous ways that alcohol affects mental health, including dependency issues and alcohol use disorders. The CCSA has released new alcohol consumption guidelines, recommending a lower number of alcoholic beverages per person per week if you want to avoid the adverse health effects of drinking.

One of the recommendations is that alcoholic beverage packaging has a label stating the number of recommended servings in the container and also health warnings.

The report from CCSA is quoted as saying, “Three-to-six drinks a week increases the risk of developing certain cancers, including colorectal and breast cancer, and more than seven drinks a week also increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. The danger goes up with every additional drink.”

Partly, those warning labels would advise people of the link between alcohol consumption and cancer, something the Canadian Cancer Society is trying to bring awareness to through their Dry Feb campaign (dryfeb.ca). Dry Feb is a fundraiser that challenges you to go alcohol-free in February. It helps you get healthy while raising funds to make an impact for people affected by cancer.

As substance use treatment industry leaders, we know full well that cutting back or stopping drinking can be a challenge for many people. We are hopeful that more information on the health impacts of drinking and knowing what supports are available for those who struggle with sobriety will provide people with the knowledge to make informed decisions surrounding their use of alcohol and other substances. For information on alcohol cessation programs like the ones available at Together We Can, please visit twcrecoverylife. org.

Together We Can Alcohol & Drug Recovery & Education Society offers information, education and treatment services in the lower mainland, based in Vancouver.

The following is a paid advertisement by Adrian Dix, MLA for Vancouver/Kingsway

Dear Neighbours,

Our office ushered in the Lunar New Year of the Rabbit with zest, thanks to the energetic lion dance organized by the Collingwood BIA. Thank you to the lion dancers for bringing so much festive energy along Kingsway and around the neighbourhood.

BC Excellence Scholarships

The BC Excellence scholarship is awarded to 55 well-rounded high school graduates who have demonstrated service and leadership, both at school and in their communities, and who show aptitude for and commitment to their chosen career or area of post-secondary study. Application deadline: February 15, 2:59pm PST

Family Day – Monday, February 20th

Our community office will be closed for Family Day on Monday, February 20th. We will re-open Tuesday, February 21st, and look forward to serving our constituents with matters surrounding provincial services. We wish you and your loved ones a great Valentine’s Day and Family Day!

Spring Legislative Session

The spring session of the BC Legislature will begin on February 6th, with the Speech from the Throne, followed by the introduction of the government’s 2023 Budget on February 28th. I am always happy to hear your thoughts and ideas for legislation and would welcome any suggestions you may have for the spring session.

As always, my community office, at 5022 Joyce St. Vancouver, is open to provide services for constituents in person with appointments and via phone and email. Please give us a call at 604-660-0314 or email us at adrian.dix.mla@leg. bc.ca, and we will get in touch with you as soon as we can. 聯絡本辦事處請電郵 adrian.dix. mla@leg.bc.ca 或致電 604-660-0314. 如欲 親臨敬請預約。

Here’s a list of some of the free services our office offers:

Advocacy – We will work hard to assist you with any issues you have that involve the provincial government departments, services, or ministries. Information & Referral – Our office can find the right government contact or program. We can help you understand how program changes will affect you, your family, and your community.

We also know the services available in our community and are happy to refer you to them. Getting Connected – Free fax for government and community-related matters.

Thank you very much for all that you’re doing and take care.

Sincerely,

Adrian Dix, MLA Vancouver-Kingsway