Alcohol increasingly has Australia in its poisonous grip.
One in eight Australians drink at dangerous levels. The effects on long-term health are likely to be catastrophic.
Australia has always had a boozy reputation but excessive drinking is on the rise.
Doctors are warning of a surge in chronic diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver and cancers as well as brain disorders in the next 20 years.
"Unfortunately Australia has a massive alcohol drinking problem," said Associate Professor Gordian Fulde from Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital.
"It's our culture, our society accepts it and in some ways society encourages it."
"Alcohol leaves all the other drugs - heroin, ecstasy, ice (methamphetamine) - absolutely for dead," he told the BBC.
"They're minute compared to problems caused by alcohol drinking."
The rest of this is here.
Sorry to upset the researchers who were probably given a sizeable grant to drink beer whilst researching this but I just don't believe it. In England, nobody in their right mind would be seen with a light beer or a bottle of XXXX gold. It's either Stella or nothing and if you drink anything else then you're a poof. In Aus, people actually do pay attention to what they're drinking depending on the occassion or whether they're driving. Maybe not in Oodnadatta but who gives a f**k about that anyway..?
ReplyDeleteI dont know, I reckon Far North Queenslands drink like bl**dy fish! The only reason for moderation is there is no public transport to take you home & you have to wait hours for a cab.
ReplyDeleteMy weekend may be a case in point...at least I waited to almost dark time each day to make a start!
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