Aussies worried about booze-related brain damage

Alcohol-related violence, drink-driving and damage to developing brains are the biggest concerns of West Australians in relation to young drinkers.

Australians concerned about risks of young people drinking 

In a survey of more than 1,000 people in October, commissioned by McCusker Centre for Action on Alcohol and Youth, showed women especially were worried about alcohol-caused road accidents and the damage that drinking alcohol does to adolescent brains.

Out of those questioned, adults in their late 20s ranked in the top tier for concerns on alcohol-related violence and drink driving.

In addition, half admitted they did not think governments were taking enough action to combat binge drinking and 92% urged for regular alcohol and drug education in schools.

Furthermore, nearly three-quarters believed alcohol advertising should be prohibited from buses and bus stops.

“It is good to see that education campaigns are having an impact, including high awareness of the evidence on alcohol and the developing brand,” said Professsor Mike Daube, centre director, as reported by The West Australian.

Dr Tina Lam, researcher of Curtin University’s National Drug Research Institute, added that the data showed more young adults of school leaving age were abstaining from alcohol, but those who did choose to drink were consuming “riskier” amounts.

“We know parents can influence their children’s decision about drinking so they need to be quite explicit about whether they approve or not,” said Dr Tina Lam, researcher of Curtin University’s National Drug Research Institute.