Anti-binge drinking campaign launched

An advertising campaign to tackle binge drinking will highlight the health problems faced by those who drink more than the recommended levels of alcohol.

Health Minister, Paul Goggins, today launched the latest phase of the Health Promotion Agency's anti-binge drinking campaign, the key message of which is 'You don't have to be drunk to be doing real damage'. Figures released today revealed that more than 40% of male and over 30% of female drinkers 'binged'.

The Minister said: "Binge drinking is a major problem in Northern Ireland and what is most worrying is that many people do not even realise they are drinking more than they should. There are far too many people who drink more than the recommended levels of alcohol which is resulting in serious health problems.

"We have all seen the impact of alcohol misuse on people's lives - for individuals, families and communities. The estimated social cost of alcohol misuse is a shocking £700 million. Last year alone 246 people died directly as a result of alcohol and each year around 7000 admissions to acute hospitals are due to alcohol misuse.

"Binge drinking is harmful. If men are taking five or more drinks in one session and women four or more that is risky to your health. That is why the clear message from this phase of the campaign is that 'you don't have to be drunk to be doing real damage'".

Recent research indicates that almost a half of male drinkers and over a third of female drinkers had engaged in at least one binge drinking session during the previous week.

(SP)