To booze or not to booze, that is the question (this new survey just asked)
A new Pew survey out last Friday examines how people feel about their own alcohol use and drinking habits.
The survey, conducted between Feb. 24 and March 2 of this year, focused on adults in the U.S. aged 21 and older. One major finding is that people continue to drink even when they believe it may not be beneficial to their well-being. It raises the question of what that experience is like!
Three things to know:
- According to the survey, 57% of drinkers believe that their alcohol consumption does not increase their risk of serious health problems, while 43% think it does — either to a high degree or somewhat.
- Despite these beliefs, 41% of drinkers say that recent news regarding the link between alcohol consumption and the risk of cancer will prompt them to reduce their drinking, with 11% indicating they will cut back a lot and 30% saying they will reduce it a little.
- The health impacts of drinking have been extensively covered, addressing topics ranging from heart health to cancer. NPR’s Allison Aubrey recently broke down the things to consider. She concluded by offering guidance for people who want to evaluate their alcohol consumption. This includes a self-assessment quiz called the CAGE questionnaire, which consists of four questions designed to help people determine if they need to manage their drinking habits.
Want to take a break from drinking? Sign up for Life Kit‘s month-long email series and get expert strategies to help set you up for success.
Where have I heard about this lately?
Back in January, former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory linking alcohol consumption to the risk of developing seven different types of cancer, including those of the breast, colorectal, esophagus, liver, mouth, throat and voice box (larynx).
He also urged Congress to require health warning labels to inform consumers about the risks associated with alcohol consumption and cancer.
Dive deeper with NPR:
- Want some inspiration on how to have fun without alcohol? This guy might be able to help.
- From A to Zika, get the latest global health and development news, sent weekly to your inbox, with the Goats and Soda newsletter.
Georgetown researcher released from immigration detention on federal judge’s order
Badar Khan Suri is the latest scholar targeted by the Trump administration to be released from detention.
The latest roadblock for House Republicans’ ‘big beautiful bill’: Senate Republicans
House Republicans are trying to pass a massive bill full of President Trump's top agenda items by the end of next week. But a new set of hurdles awaits in the Senate.
The Environmental Protection Agency delays limits on PFAS in drinking water
Federal rules to reduce the levels of "forever chemicals" in drinking water are getting delayed.
Republicans voice concern over Trump’s support for a new Air Force One from Qatar
In a rare break with the president, some inside the GOP are expressing concern over the potential national security risks of accepting a luxury Boeing 747 jet from Qatar to replace Air Force One.
What to know about a federal proposal to help families pay for private school
Republicans want to use the federal tax code to create a national school voucher even in states where voters have fought such efforts.
Under pressure, HHS reinstates hundreds of occupational health workers
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is restoring several programs and bringing back the staffers who run them, but much of the agency's work is still on the chopping block.
