Hazardous and “binge” drinking is on the rise internationally among young people and especially young women, a study shows.
The reason, according to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), is mostly due to alcohol becoming more available, more affordable and more effectively advertised.
Harmful alcohol consumption is now responsible for a greater proportion of deaths worldwide than Aids and tuberculosis combined.
‘Tackling Harmful Alcohol Use: Economics and Public Health Policy’ says the increase of risky drinking behaviours is a worrying trend as it is associated with higher rates of car accidents and violence, as well as increased risk of acute and chronic health conditions.
The report shows that excessive consumption reduces economic output in most developed countries and contributes to early death and disability.
Governments seeking to tackle binge drinking and other types of alcohol abuse can use a range of policies that have proven to be effective, including counselling heavy drinkers; stepping up enforcement of drinking-and-driving laws; as well as raising taxes; raising prices; and increasing the marketing regulation.
Source: Dan Buckley, Irish Examiner, 13/05/15
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