Shame of binge drinking pupils

More than a third of 15-year-olds binge drink every week in one of the country's worst areas for alcohol-related disease.

Around 34% of fourth-year pupils in Renfrewshire down an average of 16 units a week - the equivalent of a half-bottle of vodka or eight pints of lager.

Half of all 13-year-olds have been "really drunk" at least once, while 55% of 15-year-olds admit they sink five or more drinks on a night out.

The figures were revealed as health bosses, social workers, police, fire officers, and licensing officials, joined forces to launch a strategy designed to tackle binge drinking and alcoholism.

Alcohol related deaths in Renfrewshire rose 56% for men and 53% for women from 2001 to 2005.

The death rate, 51 per 100,000, was double the national average and the third worst in the UK.

Council leader Derek Mackay said: "We can no longer shy away from the fact the levels of death, disease and wider harm from alcohol problems are at record and unacceptable levels in Renfrewshire."

Key targets in the area's new Joint Alcohol Policy include reducing booze-related hospital admissions, through counselling and rehab services; using educational campaigns to target groups who binge drink; and intervening earlier to protect kids affected by alcohol in the family.

Studies show 40% of men in Renfrewshire and 30% of women regularly exceed the recommended weekly limits. The UK average is 33% and 15%.

Glasgow had the highest number of alcohol-related fatalities, for men and women, between 1998-2004, in the UK. Around 500 deaths a year in Greater Glasgow are linked to booze.

Scotland has the fastest growing level of drink-related cirrhosis deaths in Europe.

Evening Times