Warning over alcohol accidents

The hazards of excessive drinking in the region have been addressed in a report which highlights the extent of alcohol abuse.

28 August 2007 09:23

A new warning about the dangers of consuming alcohol was issued today as it emerged 65,000 people in East Anglia were admitted to hospital because of booze-related illnesses or injuries in one year.

The consumption of alcohol also led to 42,000 crimes in the region and 2,300 claims of incapacity benefit during 2006/07, according to the government's chief medical officer.

The report says that although East Anglia has fewer alcohol-related deaths and ill health than the national average, there are several deprived areas where people are cutting their lives short because of dependence on alcohol.

It revealed:

One in four men and one in six women drink at “hazardous and harmful” levels

In East Anglia 5.2pc of men and 3.7pc of women die from a condition related to alcohol

On average men living in the most deprived areas of East Anglia lose 17 months of life and women seven months compared to five months for men and three for women in affluent areas as a consequence of alcohol

As revealed in the Evening News last month, one in five people in Norwich is classed as a binge drinker, which means a man who regularly consumes more than the recommended 10 units of alcohol and women who drink more than six units in a single session. Excess drinking can lead to psychoses, liver disease, chronic hepatitis, pancreatitis, alcohol poisoning and degeneration of the nervous system.

Sir Liam Donaldson, the country's chief medical officer, presented the report to the Eastern Region Public Health Observatory.

Daniel Harry, partnership liaison officer for Norfolk Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), said:

“The report highlights the ongoing need to address the many various harms associated with alcohol misuse in Norfolk. Whilst the report suggests that in general Norfolk experiences less harm than other areas of the UK, it is still an issue of concern.”

He said there have been drink driving campaigns, targeted work on underage sales, health promotion and targeted treatment interventions to help reduce the numbers of people on alcohol.

Dr Paul Cosford, East of England regional director of public health, said: “Excessive alcohol consumption is a significant public health issue which we need to tackle.”

To read the report log on to www.erpho.org.uk

There are a range of services available to people with alcohol and/or drug problems including DAAT website or the Matthew Project helpline on 0800 764 754.

Do you have a health story for the Evening News? Call Sarah Hall on 01603 772426 or e-mail sarah.hall2@archant.co.uk

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