BMA calls for action not words on alcohol crisis in UK

Main Category: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Article Date: 15 Mar 2004 - 0:00 PDT

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The BMA's (British Medical Association) Head of Science and Ethics, Dr Vivienne Nathanson, welcomed the Government's plans to tackle alcohol problems in England but warned that these must be followed up by action:

'It is very good news that the Government is taking the issue of alcohol abuse seriously. What we need now is concrete action to tackle the crisis. The BMA would like to see clear warnings and labelling on alcohol products as well as a ban on alcohol advertising.

'It is a tragedy that doctors are starting to see serious liver disease in young people because of alcohol - it is also very expensive for the NHS. Young people must be made aware that having fun does not have to mean getting drunk three or four times a week. Alcohol is a poison - too much in one go can be lethal, too much week after week kills you more slowly.'

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