Binge drinking has reached alarming proportions among young Australians, with an average four people under 25 dying each week from alcohol related injuries! Over the course of a year, this translates to more than 200 young lives being wasted! Assaults directly attributable to alcohol hospitalise another 3600 young people every year. There is nothing new about binge drinking, but what is new is the disturbing increases in the numbers of young people drinking frequently to excess! The worsening situation has prompted a $20m campaign by the Federal Government over two years and a supporting drive by the NSW Government. Binge drinking hurts our kids; it hurts mums and dads, and other family members; and it hurts our communities (costing $15 billion a year!).
South West Youth Services
Sir David Martin Foundation funded South West Youth Services provides counselling and support in Sydney’s Campbelltown area and regrettably staff see these various ‘hurts’ on a daily basis. Adolescent Counsellor, Phary Sok, advises that one of the most prevalent problems with young people today is definitely alcohol and binge drinking: “Last year, our counselling services worked with 48 young people and 60% of them had an underlying drug and alcohol issue. You will see from Brad, in his personal account (on the following page), that he is by no means the only teen, oblivious to the fact he has an issue with drinking.” “When a young person is in need of counselling, they often don’t realise that as a coping mechanism, they’ve relied on the effects of alcohol to numb or forget their pain. At least for a little while, they mainly see it as a social thing, a ‘cool’ thing to do. Having said that, some are also very aware of what they’re doing and do it to avoid having to confront or deal with a situation. By the time they realise they need other ways to cope, they’ve added an extra issue to cope with: their alcohol addiction!” says Phary.
Early Intervention
Alcohol often becomes a coping mechanism when a young person is left to cope or the signs go unnoticed. As time goes on, consumption tends to increase. Phary says “this is why early intervention is so crucial. Early stage along with prevention strategies before the problem occurs. This is what will create a dent in what is a massive social health problem for our adolescents today." “Government and non-government agencies, the media, music, sporting/ acting role models can all play a part. We all have a responsibility to teach our kids binge drinking is extremely dangerous and affects many young people", says Phary.
Binge Drinking – The Facts
Here are some startling statistics:
On average, four Australians under 25 die each week of alcohol related injuries.
70 young Australians are hospitalised weekly due to alcohol caused assault.
One in two people, aged 15-17, will do something they regret after getting drunk. Apart from violence, other risks from binge drinking include:
Drowning
Pedestrian and road accidents (death or severe injury)
Alcohol poisoning
Consequences such as impact on families and social embarrassment; loss of valuable items ie: phone or wallet; unprotected sex (greater danger of transmitted infection/unwanted pregnancy).
Longer term consequences include brain damage, depression and suicidal thoughts, and chronic disease. Every time someone drinks excessively, they are at risk of causing harm to themselves or others. On average, 25% of hospitalisations of 15-24 year olds are because of alcohol.
