Alcohol consumption is a staple in most of our diets today in Australia. A glass of red with dinner or a beer with mates on the weekend is seen by most as an enjoyable part of life.

However, how big are the risks? And how dangerous is alcohol?

According to a recent published study by VicHealth and FARE organisations, 15 people die and 430 more are admitted to hospital every day in Australia as a result of alcohol-related illness. With alcohol being the fourth largest cause of disease in Australia, questions can be asked as to how much is too much?

The National Health and Medical Research Council has some suggestions on reducing the risk of disease:

• No more than 2 standard drinks a day
• No more than 4 standard drinks on one occasion
• No alcohol while pregnant or breastfeeding
• Don’t drink if you are under 15, try to delay your first drink for as long as possible

And the best preventative measure? Don’t drink at all, but easier said than done!