Rising number of alcohol-related hospital admissions "alarming"

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by Change | 7 May 2009

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The growing number of people being sent to hospital because of alcohol-related illnesses is becoming a major problem and could point to a rise in alcohol addiction.

The rising numbers of people being admitted to hospital because of drink-related illnesses is "alarming", it has been claimed.

In a study that points to a potential increase in the number of people suffering from alcohol problems and in need of addiction treatment, figures from the Department of Health suggest alcohol misuse now costs the health service £2.7 billion per year.

Avis Johns, a spokeswoman for the Drinkaware organisation, said: "The increase in hospital admissions is alarming and that's why it's crucial for people to know the facts about the short-term and long-term health harms of binge drinking."

She added: "In the long-term, binge drinking can contribute to a variety of problems, including damage to an unborn child, liver disease, osteoporosis, pancreatitis, stomach ulcers, infertility, heart disease, raised blood pressure, stroke, dementia and brain damage."

The growing number of people binge drinking on a regular basis means many more people could be searching out a rehab clinic in the future to help them tackle their problem.

It is estimated that alcohol-related accident and emergency visits cost £645.7 million per annum in 2006/7, according to figures published by the Cabinet Office last year.

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