| ADCA / DAW 2009 - The Binge Drinking ‘epidemic’ is not over - 25 June 2009 |
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Australia ‘epidemic of binge drinking’ recognised by the Prime Minister in 2008, will not change without more funding being directed towards education and prevention programs, according to the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia. (ADCA) Each year 3000 Australians die and another 10 000 need ongoing medical treatment through alcohol related harm. The annual cost in alcohol related absenteeism is 7.5 million working days and the economic impact of its misuse is $15.3 billion. “We commend the government on its national strategy to address the binge drinking epidemic among young Australians which was announced in March 2008, but we cannot get complacent that the job is now done,” said ADCA CEO Mr The focus on Binge Drinking is part of a week long campaign called Drug Action Week coordinated by ADCA, which involves communities across the nation organising activities to highlight that Alcohol is a drug – TOO! Drug Action Week 2009 (June 21-27), gives communities a chance to explore issues related to the harm caused by the misuse of alcohol and other drug issues, and to recognise those who work in frontline support services in the alcohol and other drugs sector. “We have seen through ongoing commitment of resources, that national health issues – such as smoking have turned around, “said Mr Templeman, “We can do more to ensure that in generations to come binge drinking becomes less of an ‘accepted right of passage’ among young people.” Drug Action Week 2009 continues until Saturday June 27 – with details of all activities available at www.drugactionweek.org.au. Tomorrow night (June 26) frontline workers in the AOD sector will recognised at the National Drug and Alcohol Awards (NDAA) at Parliament House in www.drugactionweek.org.au Media Enquiries: Brian Flanagan, Manager Strategic Communications & Policy Phone 02 6281 0686 or 0400 860 058 |
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