Health - ABC's Difference of Opinion: Australia's Drinking Problem

[~lostgurl~]

A new entry has been added to Drugs Archive

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5 mins
6 Sept 2007

Are We In Denial About Our Drinking Problem?

Two thirds of alcohol consumed in Australia is consumed in a way that puts the drinker or another person’s health and wellbeing at risk. We drink less per person than they do in France, but by and large, we binge drink leaving ourselves open to acute harm. While most harm in terms of accidents and assaults happens to young men, young women are drinking more and putting themselves increasingly at risk. Alcohol was the “principal drug of concern” for people seeking treatment for substance dependency, particularly among older people. A recent study found that 230 000 children live in a household where at least one adult binge drinks. Another study estimated that 1 in 8 drink to a level that causes permanent brain damage.

Are we too accepting of intoxication? Is it just harmless larrikinism or something more serious? Do we understand alcohol and what it does to our health and wellbeing? What about our behaviour? Why are young people so vulnerable to alcohol? Is it a young person’s problem or are parents sending their children the wrong messages? How influential is marketing and sponsorship? What is the imfluence of sporting heroes on the drinking culture? Are 24 hour liquor licences and the easy availability of alcohol fuelling the binge drinking culture? Or are we overly concerned about something that has been part of our culture since European settlement, and on the whole is not abused by people?


To check it out, rate it or add comments, visit ABC's Difference of Opinion: Are We In Denial About Our Drinking Problem?
The comments you make there will appear in the posts below.

[~lostgurl~]

A new entry has been added to Drugs Archive

Description:

4 mins
6 Sept 2007

Do We Need To Create A Safer, Less Damaging Drinking Culture?

Health experts have called for greater regulation such as increased taxes and further limits to advertising and marketing to reduce alcohol consumption and the related harm. But the industry and government believe there is enough regulation in place, and that individuals and parents need to take more responsibility for theirs and their kids drinking habits and behaviours.

Is it a matter of personal responsibility, or do we need greater government regulation and legislation? Are we risking the bad habits of a minority affect the pleasure and enjoyment of many by increasing taxes and therefore costs? Are education campaigns enough or do we need to increase the tax to help lower rates of alcohol related harm? Should there be further restrictions on the way alcohol companies promote alcohol? Should we limit the availability of alcohol in bottle shops, hotels and clubs? Is a “Mediterranean” drinking pattern really preferable, or does it do nothing to discourage and prevent dangerous and harmful drinking habits?

To check it out, rate it or add comments, visit ABC's Difference of Opinion: Do We Need To Create A Safer, Less Damaging Drinking Culture?
The comments you make there will appear in the posts below.