Drinking Related Injury Injuries Represent

Drinking Related Injury

Injuries represent the single leading cause of death and disability among adolescent Australians and alcohol consumption is the most common risk taking behavior observed among this population. Several previous studies have implicated alcohol consumption and intoxication among adolescents as having a direct relation to the number of transportation accidents. [Rebekah Chapman, 2007, pg. 2] Advertising exposure and easy prices have continued to encourage adolescent consumption of alcohol in Australia. A brief overview of some national statistics on underage drinking and its connection with transportation injuries and other forms of violent behavior will help us understand the issue better.

Underage Drinking (Some national statistics)

The figures from the Australian National Drug Strategy Household Survey for 2007 indicate that as much as 37.4% of males and 41.2% of females in the age group between 14 and 19 consume alcohol at intoxicating levels that makes them prone to engaging in violent behavior, at an increased risk for car crashes and also for engaging in risky sexual practices. [Steven J. Skov] The NDS survey also revealed that 4,66,000 south Australian youngsters above 14 years of age engaged in harmful drinking behavior over a 12-month period of observation clearly highlighting the heightened risk for harmful accidents and violent behaviors that could result in fatal injuries. Data for 2004-2005 also indicate alcohol related social costs at a whooping $15.3 billion. [Collins T & Lapsley H (2008)]

The Medical community in charge of promoting healthy life style choices has routinely cited lack of funding as an important concern when compared to marketing funding available for beverage promoters. Addressing this imbalance, many believe, is a necessary step in our efforts to control underage alcohol consumption. [Todd A Harper, (2010)] In view of this, the Australian government introduced the increase in excise tax (Apr 2008) on ready to Drink products from $39.36 to $66.67 per liter. The sales figures for the next 3 months clearly indicated a decline of up to 91 million RTD drinks. Similarly figures from the National Tax office also showed a 54% decrease in RTD sales while there was only a 7% increase in the sales of Spirits. These data clearly show that 'alcopops' Tax is the right way to control the growing underage alcohol consumption in Australia. [Tanya N. Chikritzhs, (2009)]

Conclusion