Alcohol Abuse a Major Health Problem

"The AMA stands with the Salvation Army and other groups in calling for the responsible consumption of alcohol by all Australians," Dr Sgroi said.

"Ten years ago, it was estimated that the cost to the Australian community of the harmful effects of alcohol was around $4.5 billion a year - it would be much more today.

"Negative health outcomes - both short and long term - are due to the consumption of hazardous, but socially acceptable, amounts of alcohol.

"It is sad but true that this pattern of excessive consumption is often considered normal and has become part of the Australian culture. Australians tend to treat excessive drinking with a nod and a wink and give little thought to the health consequences, let alone the social consequences.

"People are more likely to link the term' drug abuse' with heroin or cocaine or ecstasy, when in fact it is social drugs like alcohol and tobacco that are taking a greater toll on our young people.

"The Salvation Army Research shows that the main reason for drinking given by young people aged 14-24 was 'to fit in at social occasions'.

"Irresponsible alcohol consumption in young people is a major concern, particularly when the survey shows that, on average, kids are starting to hit the drink at 14 years of age.

"Abuse of social drugs has a flow-on effect.

"For example, a smoker is two times more likely to diet severely, three times more likely to have psychiatric morbidity, seven times more likely to be a heavy alcohol drinker, nine times more likely to have unprotected sexual intercourse, and 19 times more likely to use marijuana weekly.

"Similarly, alcohol abuse by young people can lead to negative health and social outcomes," Dr Sgroi said.

CONTACT: Dr Joseph Sgroi 0408 422 665