Alcohol Consumption
Introduction
After smoking, alcoholism kills more people in the UK than any other drug, it is therefore a relevant risk factor.
Alcohol Dependence – the need and/or dependence on alcohol to feel good or avoid feeling bad.
Alcoholism – chronic continual drinking or periodic consumption of alcohol which is characterised by impaired control, excessive drinking, frequent episodes of intoxification, preoccupation with alcohol and the use of alcohol despite adverse consequences.
Binge Drinking – a pattern of heavy drinking that occurs in an extended period set aside for the purpose. ‘Heavy drinking’ is described as drinking eight or more units of alcohol in one session if you are a man, and more than six units in one session if you are a woman.
(Reference –www.who.int and www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk)
Statistics
- 1 in 13 adults is dependant on alcohol
- 33,000 people die each year to alcohol-related incidents or associated health problems
- Alcohol is involved in 15% of road accidents, 26% of drownings and 36% of death in fires. A quarter of accidents at work are drink related
- Females have a lower alcohol tolerance than males
(Reference – www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/prof/medical.shtml)
Health Risks
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Cancers of the mouth, oesophagus, pharynx, larynx and liver
- Alcohol related anaemia and nutritional disease
- Pancreatitis
- Heart muscle damage (Cardiomyopathy)
Underwriting Considerations
Full application disclosure including the level of alcohol consumption. Supply as much information as possible; full disclosure
by the applicant allows us to make a fair and accurate assessment, while lack of information means we have to
make assumptions
which could result in terms being harsher or cover being declined.
- Occupation, especially those connected with high alcohol intake or the sale of alcohol
- General Practitioner’s Report (GPR) and/or medical examination with details of past and present alcohol consumption, complications or treatment
- Results of any investigations, particularly Liver Function Tests (LFTs) or other alcohol markers
- Clinical signs on examination
