Drinking over 22 alcohol units ups hospital risk

Men who drink 22 or more units of alcohol a week have a 20% higher rate of admissions into acute care hospitals than non-drinkers, a new study has found.

Researchers from the University of Glasgow also found that drinking between eight and 14 units of alcohol a week also increased the total number of days spent in hospital.

The 28-year study, which involved almost 6,000 men, found that even drinking 15 units of alcohol increased the risk of stroke and as a result more time spent in hospital.

Those downing 22 or more weekly units had more admissions for respiratory illness, but they had the lowest rates of admission for coronary heart disease.

Men drinking 22 or more units a week also had more admissions for mental health problems.

However, the study found that non-drinkers had a higher rate of admissions for mental ill health than those who drank between one and 14 units a week.
 
“This research illustrates the long-term impact that alcohol can have on health and health services and reinforces the case for moderation when it comes to alcohol consumption,” the researchers concluded.

The study was published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

[Posted: Fri 03/07/2009]