Holiday drinking: Don't get 'too merry' this Christmas - AMA
AMA Vice-President, Dr Trevor Mudge, today called on parents and other adults to set a good example for young people by drinking moderately and responsibly over the holiday season.
Dr Mudge said people do not have to drink excessively to have a good time these holidays.
"Young people tend to follow the lead of their parents or other older role models in most things, and it certainly is the case with alcohol consumption - often with dire consequences," Dr Mudge said.
"While alcohol consumption among Australian adults has decreased over the past 20 years, young people?s drinking patterns have become increasingly a cause for major concern. Binge drinking by young people has doubled over the last five years.
"In 2001, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), 28.4 per cent of 14-19 year-olds experienced loss of memory at least once in the previous twelve-months after drinking alcohol. Worse, 11.1 per cent of 14-19 year-old girls and 10.7 per cent of 14-19 year-old boys experienced memory loss at least once a month after drinking alcohol.
"Excessive drinking can result in self-harm and harm to others through alcohol-related accidents or violence, and lead to major health problems that will stay with drinkers throughout their lives.
"Short-term risks associated with drinking alcohol include injuries involving motor vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians, accidents including falls, fires and an increased risk of violence.
"According to the latest AIHW National Drug Strategy Household Survey, over a 12 month period, one in four Australians aged over 14 (26.5 per cent) were verbally abused by someone affected by alcohol, and physical abuse by someone affected by alcohol was experienced by one in 20 people (4.9 per cent).
"In the longer term, alcohol abuse can cause serious health problems.
"Coronary heart disease, cancer, blood disorders, cirrhosis of the liver, loss of memory and brain damage can result from long-term alcohol abuse.
"Responsible alcohol consumption can complement gatherings of family and friends over the holidays, but alcohol abuse and alcohol-related accidents can turn holidays into a nightmare," Dr Mudge said.
CONTACT:
Dr Trevor Mudge (0413) 733 701
John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761