Binge drinking on the rise
Sunday 3 August 2008
Binge drinking is in the news a lot these days, and now new government figures show that it's on the increase among teenagers.
Results
Recent figures have shown that four out of ten students in year 10 and half of students in year 11 have carried out binge drinking, consuming five or more alcoholic drinks in one session. Similarly, over 25% of 13 and 14 year olds are participating in binge drinking.
Recent NHS figures have shown that alcohol related accidents have risen by 52 per cent over the last decade - 1 in 10 involve underage drinkers. In the North East alone there were 16,391 hospital admissions in the last year.
Young people are being admitted to hospital for a range of illnesses, from alcohol poisoning to mental and behavioural problems.
European problem
Despite many being aware of the health dangers, the UK's young people are among the heaviest drinkers in Europe.
New findings have shown that teenagers and young adults across the UK are drinking alcohol to increase their chance of having fun and meeting new people.
Effects
As well as mental effects, alcohol also severaly effects you physically - and you could suffer from skin, liver and co-ordination problems in the future.
It can also bring you in contact with crime, resulting in 33% of burglaries and 50% of street crime.
Finding out more
Binge Drinking - TheSite has loads of information about the effects and dangers of drinking, as well as related articles.
Frank has information on all drugs, including alcohol, and gives you the facts straight. Take a look and see what alcohol can do to your body.
