One in five admit ‘alcohol-related harms’ in Galway survey

Some 44% find it acceptable to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to consume alcohol at home.

One in five people admitted to “alcohol-related harms” due to their drinking habits in a new survey of alcohol use in Galway city.

Over half of those who participated in the Health Service Executive (HSE) sponsored survey have “hazardous” drinking habits, while 18 per cent of respondents believe it is “acceptable” to give a 15-year-old child alcohol at home.

Some 44 per cent of respondents think it is acceptable to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to use alcohol at home.

The behaviour, attitudes and awareness survey by the Galway Healthy Cities Alcohol Forum involved more than 500 participants aged over 18.

HSE health promotion and improvement official Fiona O’Donovan said the level of alcohol-related harm to individuals and others is of particular concern, with one in five (20 per cent) reporting one or more harms due to their own drinking.

Source: Lorna Siggins, The Irish Times, 27/06/16