Alcohol-related social harm ‘does not bode well’

HIGH levels of alcohol-related social harm “does not bode well for the future health and well-being of the Irish population”, a major report into alcohol abuse has warned.

The study by the Health Research Board — entitled Social consequences of harmful use of alcohol in Ireland — maintains that alcohol-related social problems, such as violence, public disturbance, poor work performance and family problems, are imposing a serious burden on society.

According to the study, published yesterday, drink-driving offences increased by 74% between 2003 — 2007, from 11,421 to 19,864.