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Arena Magazine 2007 Issue 4 Winter Arena |
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Binge drinking: Culture under fire
Dangerous levels of drinking are causing deaths, serious injuries and long term health problems for the nation’s young people says the Government’s Know Your Limits campaign – a major initiative to highlight the problems of alcohol abuse.
Now in its second year the hard-hitting campaign will be rolled out again in time for the festive season. A multi-million pound advertising campaign with television, radio and newspaper adverts will contrast the feeling of invincibility heavy drinking causes with the reality of alcohol related accidents, sexual assaults and violence.
The campaign will be backed up with some sobering statistics on the consequences of binge drinking among young people although the campaign will also highlight the dangers faced by older drinkers who continue to consume way above the recommended weekly intake.
The increase in the rate of binge drinking (i.e. very drunk at least once a month) has dominated the headlines for a number of years now. The biggest group of binge drinkers, 44 per cent, are found among 18-24 year-olds, this group is more likely to binge drink than any other group. Young males (49 per cent) are more likely to binge drink than young females (39 per cent).
A recent survey found that:
- Binge drinkers were more likely to offend than other regular drinkers (almost twice as much).
- Young male binge drinkers were twice as likely to commit a violent offence.
- Young adult binge drinkers although only six per cent of the sample caused 30 per cent of all crimes committed and 24 per cent of all violent incidents.
In another survey only seven per cent of men and 22 per cent of women knew of the safe drinking limits recommended by government and medical experts.
While your body's ability to process alcohol depends on your weight, age, gender and tolerance to it, the guidelines give important measures for safe levels of consumption. The current recommended daily allowances for men are 3-4 units and 2-3 units for women. One unit equals half a pint or a small wine or a spirit shot.
For more information:
Drinkline 0800 917 8282 (24 hours)
www.knowyourlimits.co.uk
www.drinkaware.co.uk
www.alcoholconcern.org.uk
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