The NHS this week released the report Statistics on alcohol: England 2008, compiled from a range of previously published alcohol related information and data. Whilst the report may not contain new data, it has re-emphasised the growing cost of alcohol misuse and prompted a range of news and media reports.
A Guardian article quoted a number of leading figures speaking in response, including the Public Health minister, Dawn Primarolo, who referred to the new £6 million campaign launched this week to raise alcohol unit awareness. Spokespersons for the British Liver Trust and drugs charity Turning Point raised concerns over the growing level of harm from alcohol and long waits some face to receive treatment. Professor Ian Gilmore of the Royal College of Physicians continued to call for further controls on the extent of cheap and readily available alcohol. A report from the Department of Health is expected in July that will inform the government on the impact of price and harm to society, following earlier reports that such moves would be considered if supermarkets and retailers continued to act irresponsibly.
An article in the Times highlighted the growing concern over alcohol misuse by young people, citing the Office for National Statistics data that showed more 13 year olds had drank alcohol than not, whilst also drawing attention to a Home Office audit that had found extensive abuse of voluntary codes of practise by retailers.
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It is simply shocking that we as a society continue to accept the consumption and abuse of alcohol. The consequences for the individual, their family and the community are dire.
By way of example, I know of a probation officer who has a form to complete for each newly released prisoner, where the form begins with three check-boxes
Alcohol
drugs
other
See the following link on our blog about nature of alcohol abuse in Britain:
http://islamicpolitik.com/2008/06/life-without-alcohol.html
Posted by: Shaykh Rattle 'n' Roll | Thursday, June 05, 2008 at 11:00 AM