New Research has Highlighted the Link Between Binge Drinking And Alcohol Availability

New research has highlighted the link between binge drinking and alcohol availability, recommending a reduction in liquor store trading hours and in the number of stores, as well as more alcohol taxes.

The paper drew on the Australian Secondary Students Alcohol and Drug Survey, Victoria Youth Alcohol and Drug Survey and the Victorian Population Health Survey.

Some data on alcohol consumption indicated that an increasing proportion of young people were drinking until they blacked out, with men consuming more than 20 drinks and women more than 11 drinks in one binge drinking session.

Other data showed that although student drinking levels have increased over the past 20 years, the rates of student drinking have been relatively stable since 1993, with only minor variations and no clear trend.

However, the harm data suggested that rates of alcohol-related harm, particularly acute intoxication, has increased dramatically over recent years.

“The current increasing trend in alcohol-related harm for young people in Victoria suggests the need for immediate public health interventions,” said author Michael Livingston.

“There is also a clear need for a more rigorous examination of young people’s drinking, particularly focusing on young people whose drinking results in serious health consequences.”

This paper was published in the June issue of Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.

Source: Blackwell Publishing

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