Nurses Call For Urgent Action On Binge Drinking To Prevent 90,000 Deaths, UK

Main Category: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Article Date: 19 Oct 2009 - 5:00 PDT

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The Royal College of Nursing today branded the findings of a new report by Alcohol Concern, Future Proof - Can we afford the cost of drinking too much, as a "national tragedy". The report suggests that alcohol will cause over 90,000 avoidable deaths in the next decade.

The report is published as the Royal College of Nursing launches its General Election manifesto, which calls for better regulation of the drinks industry to minimise the dangers and health care costs associated with excessive drinking.

Dr Peter Carter, head of the RCN, said:

"For 90,000 lives to be thrown away as a result of excessive drinking would be an absolute tragedy. As well as causing unimaginable suffering for the families and friends of those involved, more people needing hospital treatment for alcohol-related reasons means extra pressure on an already over-stretched and pressurised health service.

"These findings add further weight to the case for regulation of the labelling, sale and advertising of alcoholic drinks to ensure that the alcohol industry does not engage in unscrupulous practices which encourage consumers to drink to excess. As we move closer to the next general election, we call on all political parties to prioritise action on binge drinking. They must also think carefully about the steps needed to encourage a safer, more sensible attitude to alcohol in order to prevent the predicted devastation from becoming a reality. The nation's relationship with alcohol is a national and international disgrace."

Source
Royal College of Nursing