Health Report - Separate stories podcast

The sick quitter effect - when data can be misleading

03.15.2024 - By ABC listenPlay

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Numbers of alcohol related deaths may have been under reported because past abuse isn't captured when a reformed-drinker dies.

It's called the 'sick quitter effect', where someone is no longer drinking at the time of their death, because previous harm has convinced them to stop.

Dr Peter Sarich from the Daffodil Centre says this can create biased results.

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