With young girls who drink alcohol twice as likely to get pregnant than their non-drinking friends and with 10,000 young people aged 11 – 17 being admitted to hospitals around the country every year because of excessive drinking, during Child Safety Week (21 – 27 June) NHS Suffolk is encouraging young people to stay alert to the dangers of too much alcohol.
Whilst it’s a fact that many young people believe that drinking won’t damage their health, in fact drinking too much alcohol can have serious consequences on young bodies including permanent brain damage, causing lasting problems with memory, attention and reaction times.
Alcohol also plays a big part in anti-social behaviour and violence and is also likely to lead to greater exposure to sexual infections due to the increased risk of having unprotected sex after drinking alcohol.
Dr Mashbileg Maidrag, NHS Suffolk child safety advisor said:
“Staying alcohol free until aged 18 is the safest and healthiest option. If you are aged 15 – 17 then make sure that you drink only occasionally, ideally no more than once a week and not exceeding the daily recommended limit. Young people need to be aware that alcohol can damage their bodies, can cause them to behave out of character resulting in a criminal record or pregnancy in young girls.
Effects of young people drinking alcohol include:
• A risk of reducing the development of the brain
• An increased risk of cancer of the mouth and throat
• Sexual and mental health problems
• An increased risk of liver cirrhosis – there has been an increase in the number of people in their twenties dying from liver disease who started drinking in their teens
Dr Maidrag continued:
“It’s important to emphasise to young people that having a good night out doesn’t have to mean getting drunk. Don’t feel pressured into having a drink just because your friends are- you can have just as much fun without a drink.”
You can find out more about Child Safety Week by visiting www.childsafetyweek.org.uk
Issued by the NHS Suffolk Communications Team on 01473 770014
For more information about NHS Suffolk visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk
