College of Psychiatrists concerned about low-priced alcohol

By Poojathmi Rivithma 

Colombo, April 3 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists has expressed concerns regarding the excise department's recent decision to introduce a low-priced alcoholic beverage in Sri Lanka.  

Alcohol is the third leading cause of preventable cancers worldwide, and consuming even one or two drinks a day increases the risk of cancer, contradicting the common belief in safe drinking.  

Research clearly demonstrates that reductions in alcohol prices lead to increased alcohol consumption across all strata of society.  

The college raised concerns that the reduction in alcohol prices will create an opportunity for adolescents to start using alcohol, making it more affordable to them and resulting in a higher number of young people becoming addicted.  

However, studies on health economics show that decreasing the prevalence of alcohol use in the population by increasing alcohol prices is the most cost-effective strategy to prevent cancers.  

Furthermore, alcohol consumption is directly linked to poor mental health, increased psychological morbidity, and higher suicide rates.  

A recent survey reported an increasing trend of alcohol use among adolescents, with 39.3% of those who had ever consumed alcohol reporting that they had their first drink during adolescence, before the age of 14.