One-third of Canberra's men admit they want to drink less

Almost one-third of Canberra’s men said they want to reduce their alcohol consumption during the next 12 months. Photo: Supplied.

Almost one-third of Canberra’s men have said they want to cut down on their alcohol consumption despite forced absence from pubs and clubs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a study from the Australian National University back in May this year, 20 per cent of people admitted to increasing their alcohol consumption during COVID-19.

Almost one in five men (17.9 per cent) reported an increase in their alcohol consumption.

“For males, a strong predictor for increased drinking was because of a loss of job or decline in working hours,” said the study’s co-author Professor Nicholas Biddle. “For females, a strong predictor for increased drinking was having a child-caring role.”

A new online campaign called Third of Men (TOM) is aimed at supporting males to reduce their alcohol consumption by providing useful tools and resources offering advice to cut back drinking.

The TOM website allows men to track their drinking habits, set goals and connect and get support from other users as part of the TOM community.

The campaign says cutting back on drinking alcohol can improve your mood and sleep, increase your energy, increase your concentration and boost your immunity.

It can also help you save money and reduce the risk of long-term health problems.

Around 20 per cent of Canberrans engage in risky drinking at least monthly, which places the national capital at the bottom of the list in Australia. The ACT also has the lowest proportion of lifetime risky drinking, with just under 14 per cent of the population.

Lifetime risk for healthy men and women can be reduced by drinking no more than two standard drinks per day, while single occasion drinking of no more than four standard drinks reduces the risk of an alcohol-related injury during that session.

The TOM campaign is targeting men, who are more likely to drink at levels that put them at risk of harm, said Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) CEO Caterina Giorgi.

“With men drinking at riskier levels, this campaign is helping to support men to reduce their drinking,” she said.

ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the TOM campaign aligns with the ACT Government’s commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of the community.

“TOM may be a partner, brother, neighbour, friend or colleague,” she said. “I encourage everyone to visit the website for more information and advice on supporting men to make positive lifestyle changes for themselves, their families and the community.”

TOM is an engaging digital initiative supported by the ACT Government’s Health Promotion Grants Program.

To find out more, visit TOM.