“This is good news for public health,” rejoices the president of Addictions France

While daily wine consumption has decreased by 5 points in 2022 compared to 2015, Bernard Basset highlights encouraging figures and salutes the work of the associations.

The decline in wine consumption in France is “good news for public health”, rejoices Saturday December 23 on franceinfo Bernard Basset, doctor specializing in public health and president of the Addictions France association. According to a study published Wednesday, carried out by FranceAgriMer and the Cniv (National Committee of Interprofessions of Wines with Designation of Origin and Geographical Indication), in 2022, only 11% of the population consumed wine every day or almost, i.e. five points less than in 2015. Bernard Basset recalls that “Regular consumption is obviously the most dangerous.”

For the doctor, this drop can be explained by several reasons. First, it is thanks to the “associations” Who “came together to explain the risks associated with alcohol consumption”. This would explain an increase in “concern of the French about their health”. Furthermore, he specifies that “51% of consumers are occasional consumers”which, again, is encouraging according to him, but he notes generational differences. “Very clearly, it is the oldest generations who consume regularly”he explains.

“The boom in non-alcoholic drinks”

According to this study, 19% of French people do not even consume any alcoholic beverage, a figure up 4 points compared to 2015. Here too, Bernard Basset welcomes this development, and takes as proof “the boom in non-alcoholic drinks” In France.

In a general way, “the message gets through” And “we can be happy about it”, assures Bernard Basset. However, he regrets “that prevention be carried out mainly by associations, doctors, scientists, without support from public authorities”. According to him, “the State is very cautious about alcohol, there are economic interests which take precedence over health interests, over public health objectives”, deplores the doctor. He notably mentions the position of the former Minister of Health, Aurélien Rousseau, who did not officially support the initiative for an alcohol-free month in January, “Dry January”.