High alcohol consumption in Guernsey seen as normal

Wednesday, 18 March 2026 07:05

High levels of alcohol abuse and medicinal cannabis misuse are key findings of new strategy.

Public Health has published a new Combined Substance Use Strategy.

It sets out how Guernsey will reduce the harm from alcohol, tobacco, vaping and drugs over the coming five years.

The plan focuses on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, with four key pillars: Awareness and Stigma Reduction, Prevention Activities, Operational Services and Policy and Legislation.

Director of Public Health, Dr Nicola Brink, says alcohol remains the most harmful substance.

She says figures from the 2023 Wellbeing Survey show nearly a quarter of adults (23.7%) drink more than recommended levels, with around 10 deaths a year linked to alcohol.

"We have a culture within the Baliwick that normalises alcohol consumption.

"We know, for example, that excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for the development of dementia in later life.

"We also know that excessive alcohol consumption can be associated with various cancers, such as throat cancers, but also breast and bowel cancers and liver cancer as well.

"So, actually looking at alcohol consumption through the lens of health and wellbeing is so important."

Dr Brink says she is concerned about the 80% of adults who reportedly consume cannabis without a prescription.

"We are concerned about the diversion of medicinal cannabis.

"And this piece of work is sitting with the chief pharmacist to look at how we regulate the use of medicinal cannabis.

"We know, again from our own wellbeing survey, that it appears that diversion of medicinal cannabis is a problem within the Bailiwick."

The strategy also highlights the reduction in tobacco consumption, as the island works towards becoming smoke-free, which is defined at 5% or less who smoke.

"Smoking prevalence has reduced to 9%, but it really isn't a case of job done.

"For example, if you take smoking prevalence in 16 to 24-year-olds, it's 17%.

"Although the overall number has come down, which is incredibly encouraging, you still have pockets of age groups where the smoking prevalence is higher."