Home> Press releases >Drinkaware response to Alcohol Concern's report on the rise in alcohol-related A&E admissions among under-18s

Drinkaware response to Alcohol Concern's report on the rise in alcohol-related A&E admissions among under-18s

26 Oct 2010

Back to Press Release Printable version Send to a friend Share this link

Responding to an Alcohol Concern report showing a rise in A&E admissions among under-18s for alcohol-related conditions, Chris Sorek, chief executive of alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware says:

 

"It’s shocking to see an increase in alcohol-related hospital admissions for under-18s.  We mustn’t forget that under-18s are still children, with developing bodies and low tolerance levels, so drinking to the point of needing hospital treatment is extremely dangerous.  But it’s not just those young people who end up in hospital that we need to focus on - even drinking small amounts of alcohol is risky for children.

 

“It is essential we understand the root causes of why young people drink, such as boredom, bravado, for self-confidence or to fit in. Only then can we hope to educate them about the risks of drinking and start to change their behaviour. Parents are in a great position to do this, but they need support.

 

"We know it can be really tough for parents to address 'grown-up' topics like alcohol with their children at an early age. But Drinkaware research shows that, on average, young people have their first proper drink at 13 and they do listen to their parents' advice. Drinkaware has lots of tips for parents – use queues such as television shows, newspaper articles or anecdotal stories to broach the subject earlier rather than later.

 

"For more information, help and advice parents can visit www.drinkaware.co.uk/parents."

 

Ends

 

For more information please contact:

Laura Ellis

Communications Officer

Email: lellis@drinkaware.co.uk 

Tel:     0207 766 9914

Mob:   07917 135 436

 

Notes to Editors:

  • Drinkaware advises men to stay within the recommended guidelines of 3-4 units of alcohol per day (equivalent of a pint and a half of lager) and women to stay within 2-3 units per day (equivalent of a 175ml glass of wine).
  • Drinkaware provides consumers with information to make informed decisions about the effects of alcohol on their lives and lifestyles. Our public education programmes, grants, expert information, and resources help create awareness and effect positive change. An independent charity established in 2007, Drinkaware works alongside the medical profession, the alcohol industry and government to achieve its goals.  For further information visit www.drinkaware.co.uk. 
Page last updated by
Unknown, 10 May 2012.