National Drug Action Week - alcohol abuse harming Australia's young
The Australian Medical Association supports the National Alcohol strategy in its efforts to encourage young people to make informed choices about their alcohol consumption.
During National Drug Action Week, the AMA reaffirms its commitment to achieving a reduction in the incidence of hazardous and harmful levels of alcohol consumption.
AMA Vice President, Dr Trevor Mudge, said today that individuals should be aware of the health and social effects of alcohol consumption on themselves and the community.
"It is essential that young people get the message that they can have fun without getting intoxicated," Dr Mudge said.
"Medical practitioners are constantly faced with the dilemma of having a limited number of appropriate services to which they can refer young people."
Up to 25 per cent of all medical consultations involve dealing with individuals who are affected by an alcohol-related problem or are using alcohol in a hazardous or harmful way.
The AMA welcomes the Federal Government's acknowledgment of the role general practitioners play in providing information and support to both parents and young people on alcohol and related issues.
One of the youth health priority areas identified through the Commonwealth Bank and AMA Youth Health Summit held in 2001 was the need for enhanced national youth health infrastructure and better coordination of youth health policy and programs.
"It is critical that youth specific alcohol and drug services are developed to cover the spectrum from primary prevention to tertiary care," Dr Mudge said.
"Services must be responsive to young people's needs and be adequately funded to address drug and alcohol issues within a holistic framework.
"National Drug Action Week highlights alcohol abuse as a major problem among many groups in the community which must be addressed," Dr Mudge said.
CONTACT: Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076