Scourge of binge drinking highlighted by government report

A government report has linked binge drinking with up to 22,000 premature deaths each year, and claims that problems associated with heavy boozing is costing the country up to £20 billion a year.

The interim analytical report published today by the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit puts the cost to the NHS of alcohol-related injuries and illnesses at up to £1.7 billion a year. The unit's research also shows that alcohol-related crime, assaults and disorder is costing a further £7.3 billion, while the cost to the economy of lost productivity through absences and illness is estimated at up to £6.4 billion. Some of the human and social costs are estimated at £4.7 billion.

Home Office minister Hazel Blears said that whilst drinking in moderation did have some health benefits, there were increasing numbers of people – especially the young – who are drinking well above the safe limits. For example, under-16s who now drink twice as much as they did 10 years ago, she said.

"This is bringing with it health risks and a range of other social problems. Not least of these problems is the nuisance and disorder that are all too often a feature of our town and city centres," she added.

The report says that chronic drinking is also taking an increasing toll on society. Chronic drinkers are often adept at hiding their addiction and this can put their families at risk of domestic abuse. Children are doubly vulnerable as the report's research shows that they can pick up their parent's drinking habits in later life.

Around 40% of A&E admissions are alcohol-related, and as many as 70% between midnight and 5am. Up to 1.3 million children in the UK are affected by parental alcohol problems.

The average UK drinker consumed the equivalent of 8.6 litres of pure alcohol in 2001 - that's an increase of 151% since 1951.

(gmcg)