Teen drink abusers go for leading brands

TEENS abusing alcohol are more likely to buy leading brands such as Budweiser and Smirnoff rather than the cheapest or strongest drinks, according to research.

The co-author of the study, consultant psychiatrist Bobby Smyth, said the findings provide more evidence that alcohol advertising and sponsorship should be “seriously restricted” by law.

Dr Smyth, who runs the Youth Drug and Alcohol Service in Dublin, said they conducted a “snapshot” of alcohol usage among 34 adolescents aged between 14 and 18 who were entering treatment for drug or alcohol abuse.