Lower risk drinking guidelines and the ‘no safe level’ message: Finding a balance in risk communication

Citation

Burton R & Nicholls J (2026) Lower risk drinking guidelines and the ‘no safe level’ message: Finding a balance in risk communication. Addiction. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.70431

Abstract
First paragraph: The message that there is ‘no safe level’ of alcohol consumption has gained prominence alongside long-standing ‘low risk’ drinking guidelines. Although these may seem contradictory, they address different issues. ‘Low risk’ guidelines offer pragmatic advice about consumption levels associated with comparatively low likelihood of harm, whereas ‘no safe level’ refers to the absence of a biologically risk-free threshold for cancer. Tension arises because these distinct purposes are not always made explicit.

Journal
Addiction