Menu
19/09/2003
Scourge of binge drinking highlighted by government report
A government report has linked binge drinking with up to 22,000 premature deaths each year, and claims that problems associated with heavy boozing is costing the country up to £20 billion a year.
The interim analytical report published today by the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit puts the cost to the NHS of alcohol-related injuries and illnesses at up to £1.7 billion a year. The unit's research also shows that alcohol-related crime, assaults and disorder is costing a further £7.3 billion, while the cost to the economy of lost productivity through absences and illness is estimated at up to £6.4 billion. Some of the human and social costs are estimated at £4.7 billion.
Home Office minister Hazel Blears said that whilst drinking in moderation did have some health benefits, there were increasing numbers of people – especially the young – who are drinking well above the safe limits. For example, under-16s who now drink twice as much as they did 10 years ago, she said.
"This is bringing with it health risks and a range of other social problems. Not least of these problems is the nuisance and disorder that are all too often a feature of our town and city centres," she added.
The report says that chronic drinking is also taking an increasing toll on society. Chronic drinkers are often adept at hiding their addiction and this can put their families at risk of domestic abuse. Children are doubly vulnerable as the report's research shows that they can pick up their parent's drinking habits in later life.
Around 40% of A&E admissions are alcohol-related, and as many as 70% between midnight and 5am. Up to 1.3 million children in the UK are affected by parental alcohol problems.
The average UK drinker consumed the equivalent of 8.6 litres of pure alcohol in 2001 - that's an increase of 151% since 1951.
(gmcg)
The interim analytical report published today by the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit puts the cost to the NHS of alcohol-related injuries and illnesses at up to £1.7 billion a year. The unit's research also shows that alcohol-related crime, assaults and disorder is costing a further £7.3 billion, while the cost to the economy of lost productivity through absences and illness is estimated at up to £6.4 billion. Some of the human and social costs are estimated at £4.7 billion.
Home Office minister Hazel Blears said that whilst drinking in moderation did have some health benefits, there were increasing numbers of people – especially the young – who are drinking well above the safe limits. For example, under-16s who now drink twice as much as they did 10 years ago, she said.
"This is bringing with it health risks and a range of other social problems. Not least of these problems is the nuisance and disorder that are all too often a feature of our town and city centres," she added.
The report says that chronic drinking is also taking an increasing toll on society. Chronic drinkers are often adept at hiding their addiction and this can put their families at risk of domestic abuse. Children are doubly vulnerable as the report's research shows that they can pick up their parent's drinking habits in later life.
Around 40% of A&E admissions are alcohol-related, and as many as 70% between midnight and 5am. Up to 1.3 million children in the UK are affected by parental alcohol problems.
The average UK drinker consumed the equivalent of 8.6 litres of pure alcohol in 2001 - that's an increase of 151% since 1951.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 March 2012
Govt Considers Minimum Alcohol Pricing
Plans for a minimum price on alcohol are being proposed by the government in an effort to curb binge drinking.
Govt Considers Minimum Alcohol Pricing
Plans for a minimum price on alcohol are being proposed by the government in an effort to curb binge drinking.
10 December 2007
Anti-Drinking Campaign Ads 'May Be Misconceived'
Some anti-drinking advertising campaigns may be "catastrophically misconceived", because they play on the entertaining 'drinking stories' that young people may use to mark their social identity, university researchers have claimed.
Anti-Drinking Campaign Ads 'May Be Misconceived'
Some anti-drinking advertising campaigns may be "catastrophically misconceived", because they play on the entertaining 'drinking stories' that young people may use to mark their social identity, university researchers have claimed.
15 November 2005
Conservative bid to stop extended drinking hours
The Conservatives are attempting to block government plans to introduce 24-hour drinking with a Commons vote. The Tories are preparing to stage a Commons vote designed to annul the Statutory Instrument, which will bring the Licensing Act into full effect on November 24.
Conservative bid to stop extended drinking hours
The Conservatives are attempting to block government plans to introduce 24-hour drinking with a Commons vote. The Tories are preparing to stage a Commons vote designed to annul the Statutory Instrument, which will bring the Licensing Act into full effect on November 24.
02 February 2005
Study reveals risk of young outdoor binge drinkers
A study into teenage drinking has found that young people in their early teens who participate in 'binge drinking' outside or in unsupervised locations run an "especially high risk" of harming their health and safety.
Study reveals risk of young outdoor binge drinkers
A study into teenage drinking has found that young people in their early teens who participate in 'binge drinking' outside or in unsupervised locations run an "especially high risk" of harming their health and safety.
16 November 2009
Alleged 'Night Stalker' Remanded
A man charged in relation to a series of rapes and assaults on elderly people within a 17 year period across south-east London has been remanded in custody.
Alleged 'Night Stalker' Remanded
A man charged in relation to a series of rapes and assaults on elderly people within a 17 year period across south-east London has been remanded in custody.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
