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Monday, December 29, 2008

Alcohol News - week 52/2008

BBC News - Young 'ignore alcohol campaigns'

Health campaigns warning of the dangers of alcohol are being ignored by many young people who see binge drinking as acceptable, researchers say.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7801640.stm

guardian.co.uk - Regular binge drinking can cause long-term brain damage – study

Just a few sessions of heavy drinking can damage someone's ability to pay attention, remember things and make good judgments, research shows.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/dec/29/binge-drinking-brain-damage-study

Belfast Telegraph (Ireland) - New proposals to lower drink driving levels

Proposals to drastically reduce drivers drinking limits in Northern Ireland are to be unveiled in the near future, it was confirmed today.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/new-proposals-to-lower-drink-driving-levels-14121944.html

Prague Daily Monitor (Czech Republic) - Nearly 3000 violate new Prague alcohol ban in six months

The Prague ban on drinking alcohol in some public areas that took effect on July 7 has been violated by nearly 3000 people on whom the police imposed fines worth some 850,000 crowns in total, Prague police spokeswoman Vilma Castova has told CTK.
http://praguemonitor.com/2008/12/29/nearly-3000-violate-new-prague-alcohol-ban-six-months

AFP (France) - Sour grapes for French wine in 2008

2008 has been all sour grapes for French wine, a once proud symbol of the nation's identity now swirling in a cocktail of alcohol abuse legislation.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j55V-ToDel7ttAXHwE9TZR34boyw

GulfNews (United Arab Emirates) - Records show drastic drop in alcohol-related accidents

Alcohol-related cases have come down dramatically during the holiday season this year, usually the peak season for alcohol-related accidents, the Trauma Centre said.
http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Traffic_and_Transport/10270755.html

United Press International - Too much beer, wine linked to cancer

Downing a pint of beer or large glass of wine every day increases the risk of liver and bowel cancer, says the World Cancer Research Fund in Britain.
http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2008/12/27/Too_much_beer_wine_linked_to_cancer/UPI-76351230408247/

Kyiv Post (Ukraine) - Kyiv restricts places where alcohol, tobacco can be sold

Kyiv municipal council restricted retail sales of liquor beverages and tobacco goods in the capital's outlet chain. This decision was supported Friday by 117 city council deputies, far more than the minimum 61 votes required.
http://www.kyivpost.com/city/32436

Globe and Mail (Canada) - Beneath a sobering portrait of a province's drinking habits

A new report sounds the alert about B.C.'s rising alcohol consumption, up 8 per cent since 2002. The pressing question now is - Will anyone take action?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20081227.BCALCOHOL27/TPStory/National

Los Angeles Times - Living near alcohol sellers may affect youth drinking

The closer teens live to where alcohol is sold, the greater the seeming risk of binge drinking and driving under the influence.
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-capsule29-2008dec29,0,5979962.story

BarKeeper (EU) - EU's tax system on beer - 'disjointed'

The EU’s ‘disjointed’ tax system on beer is fuelling smuggling and harming brewers, according to Beer Pricing in Europe - a Taxing Question, a new in-depth report from Canadean on the tax weight on beer.
http://www.barkeeper.ie/News_Item.asp?News_ID=1583

Monday, December 22, 2008

Alcohol News - week 51/2008

Science Daily - Drinkers With Alcohol Dehydrogenase Gene Are At Greater Risk Of Colorectal Cancer

Chronic drinking is a risk factor for colorectal cancer, possibly through the effects of acetaldehyde, which is created by the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzyme.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081219172035.htm


Southern Maryland Online (USA) - Md. Settlement with MillerCoors Sees End to Alcoholic Energy Drinks

On Thursday, Dec. 18, Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced an agreement with MillerCoors that will result in the nationwide discontinuance of the country’s top-selling pre-mixed alcoholic energy drink, Sparks. As part of the 14 state agreement, MillerCoors will not produce any caffeinated alcohol beverages in the future.
http://somd.com/news/headlines/2008/9050.shtml

BBC News (Poland) - Polish drink-drive warning issued

A drink-drive warning has been issued in Polish after a number of people from the Eastern European country were caught over the limit by police.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/tayside_and_central/7795433.stm

MedIndia - Prenatal Exposure To Alcohol Linked To Cognitive Dysfunction Risk

The results of the study suggest that alcohol can damage white matter-nerve fibres through which information is exchanged between different areas of the central nervous system-in the frontal and occipital lobes of the foetus' brain, which are specifically relevant for executive functions and visual processing.
http://www.medindia.net/news/Prenatal-Exposure-To-Alcohol-Linked-To-Cognitive-Dysfunction-Risk-45468-1.htm

Washington Post (USA) - New Law Doesn't Supersede Neighborhood Agreements on Closing Times

The District's decision to extend last-call for bars and nightclubs during the inauguration week has its limits, officials said yesterday: Those businesses that have struck agreements in the past with neighborhood groups over hours and rules must honor them.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/19/AR2008121903392.html

ABC Online (Australia) - Darwin alcohol-related injuries 'staggering'

The head of Royal Darwin Hospital says the number of alcohol-related injuries presented to the emergency department is staggering.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/12/21/2452060.htm

New York Times - Query for Aging Patients: How Much Do You Drink?

Is alcohol a tonic or a toxin? The question is especially critical to older people, whose overall medical picture gives alcohol the potential to be a health benefit or a life-shortening hazard.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/16/health/16brod.html?em

Telegraph.co.uk (UK) - Six in 10 soldiers 'alcoholics'

The document analysing the drinking and drug-taking habits of Army recruits found that 58 per cent were "considered possibly dependent on alcohol" and drinking at levels considered a health hazard.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/3886170/Six-in-10-soldiers-alcoholics.html

Tasmanian Government Media Releases (Tasmania) - New Plan to Deliver Increased Support for Tasmanians Affected by Alcohol and Drugs

A new five year plan has been released paving the way for additional and improved services for Tasmanians affected by alcohol and drugs.
http://www.media.tas.gov.au/release.php?id=25630

InTheNews.co.uk (UK) - Cross-govt efforts 'failing' on binge-drinking

Warring government departments have hurt efforts to address Britain's growing drinking problem, it has been claimed.
http://www.inthenews.co.uk/news/health/politics/cross-govt-efforts-failing-on-binge-drinking-$1256406.htm

Irish Times (Ireland) - Drinks promotion not in breach of code

A DRINKS promotion by the students bar at University College Dublin for a "beer tower" of five pints of beer for €20 was not in breach of the Meas (Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society Limited)code of practice on the naming, packaging and promotion of alcoholic drinks, an independent panel has found.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/1222/1229728441776.html

Meadow Free Press (USA) - Alcohol Rehab A Must For Problem Drinkers Considering Pregnancy

Alcohol has been found to be acutely toxic to the fetus. And it doesn't take a lot of alcohol to cause these problems. A safe level cannot be defined — any alcohol during pregnancy is dangerous.
http://www.meadowfreepress.com/pregnancy/0,1873,408234,00.html

Helsinki Times (Finland) - Christmas without alcohol

The annual “Give your child a sober Christmas” campaign reminds people that alcohol, children and Christmas do not mix.
http://www.helsinkitimes.fi/htimes/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4671:christmas-without-alcohol&catid=33:general&Itemid=201

Marie Claire.co.uk - Female beer goggles last up to six months

Beer goggles last longer for women than for men and continue even when they’re sober, a new study has revealed.
http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/health/296045/female-beer-goggles-last-up-to-six-months.html

EurekAlert - Published reports inaccurate concerning alcohol consumption during pregnancy

A national alcohol research group is concerned that the media's misinterpretation of a recent British research study could encourage pregnant women to be more at ease with temperate alcohol consumption.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-12/iu-pri121908.php

U.S. News & World Report (USA) - America's Top 10 Alcohol-Drinking Cities—and 10 Most Sober Cities, Too

With Christmas and New Year's almost upon us, you may be raising your glass and downing the spirits more than you're used to—along with many others. According to a nationwide poll released this year, most adults who attended work holiday parties said drunken bad behavior can often result.
http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/2008/12/17/americas-top-10-alcohol-drinking-cities--and-10-most-sober-cities-too.html

Washington Post - Moms-to-Be Who Drink May Damage Fetus' White Matter

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can damage white matter in a fetus' frontal and occipital lobes, which play a major role in executive function and visual processing. The finding may help explain problems seen in infants whose mothers drink during pregnancy, a new study says.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/19/AR2008121902538.html

The Publican (UK) - Mandatory drinks code closer to reality

Government plans to introduce a national mandatory code of practice for the industry took a step closer yesterday with the official tabling of a new Bill.
http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp?storycode=62255

Monday, December 15, 2008

Alcohol News - week 50/2008

EurekAlert - Alcohol and licensing policy could be changing the habits of young drinkers

In a new report published online today in the January issue of Addiction, researchers question whether current licensing policies have contributed to a rise in the phenomenon of "pre-drinking" amongst young people.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-12/w-aal121508.php

TVNZ (New Zealand) - Alcohol major cause of drug rehab admissions

Alcohol has again topped harder drugs like ice and heroin as the addiction which drives the most Australians into crisis rehab.
http://tvnz.co.nz/health-news/alcohol-major-cause-drug-rehab-admissions-2421401

Washington Post Blogs (USA) - Renewed Call for Alcohol Labeling

A group of public health advocacy groups has seized the occasion of the advent of a new presidential administration to renew its five-year-old quest to persuade the federal government to require producers of alcoholic beverages to add informative labels to bottles.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/checkup/2008/12/renewed_call_for_alcohol_label.html

CNN International (USA) - Bush opens up on struggle with alcohol abuse

President Bush reflected on his own struggle with alcohol in a White House meeting Thursday that touted gains in the war on drug abuse.
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/11/bush.alcohol/

Telegraph.co.uk - Faulty gene causes some people to become aggressive drunks

Alcohol appears to trigger violent behaviour in people who have a particular overactive gene.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/3776083/Faulty-gene-causes-some-people-to-become-aggressive-drunks.html

African Press Agency (Sudan) - Sudan gets £25 million ‘beer brewing’ investment

SAB Miller, one of the largest brewers in the world, has announced a £25 million beer plant investment in Muslim-dominated Sudan.
http://www.apanews.net/apa.php?page=show_article_eng&id_article=83026

Televisionpoint.com (India) - Govt is back to check surrogate advertisements of alcohol

To counter the growing demand for alcohol in the country, the Centre will consider restricting surrogate advertisements in television and other forms of media including print and outdoor space.
http://www.televisionpoint.com/news2008/newsfullstory.php?id=1229340653

Times Online - Smart kids are more likely to be heavy drinkers

Research has now shown a link between high childhood IQ and an adult enthusiasm for alcohol that leads in some cases to problem drinking.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/expert_advice/article5332469.ece

Daily Nation (Kenya) - Treasury spoils the party with new alcohol taxes

Alcoholic beverage makers were last week frantically lobbying to reverse new tax measures they say will result in an increase in prices and possible loss of jobs.
http://www.nation.co.ke/business/news/-/1006/501768/-/j3op7tz/-/

Portalino (Macedonia) - Macedonia restricts alcohol sales

Under new regulations, only licenced stores can sell alcohol products over the counter, and hours are limited.
http://www.portalino.it/nuke/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=34053

Science Daily - Genetics: Why Some Drinkers Feel Effects Of Alcohol Strongly, And Why Some Are Prone To Alcohol Abuse

Researchers at the UCSF Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center have identified a region on the human genome that appears to determine how strongly drinkers feel the effects of alcohol and thus how prone they are to alcohol abuse.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081209154939.htm

Korea Times (South Korea) - Advice for Healthy Year-End Drinking

Irresponsible drinking of alcohol leads to serious health problems. Dr. Lee Jung-kwon of Samsung Medical Center warns that drinking too much alcohol not only harms the liver, but also the brain and other organs.
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/12/117_36098.html

Times Online (UK) - Drinks industry says no to link with drugs plan

AN Irish government plan to include alcohol in its national drugs strategy is being opposed by the drinks industry.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/ireland/article5337895.ece

Ansa news in English (Italy) - Italy mulls drunk- driving rethink

A spate of recent drunk-driving accidents which has inflamed public opinion is prompting the government to consider plans that would effectively ban anyone who has drunk alcohol from driving.
http://www.ansa.it/site/notizie/awnplus/english/news/2008-12-15_115287025.html

Helsinki Times (Finland) - Finnish parliament passes alcohol duty rise

Finland’s Parliament on 8 December passed an alcohol duty rise unanimously with a number of lawmakers urging the government to propose further increases.
http://www.helsinkitimes.fi/htimes/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4546:finnish-parliament-passes-alcohol-duty-rise&catid=33:general&Itemid=201

IcelandReview (Iceland) - Iceland Increases Tariffs on Wine, Tobacco and Oil

Iceland’s Althingi parliament accepted new laws yesterday on increasing the tariffs on alcohol, tobacco, oil and automobiles by 12.5 percent as well as introducing a tax on driven kilometers and an excise tax on vehicles and fuel.
http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/?cat_id=21123&ew_0_a_id=316916

Monday, December 8, 2008

Alcohol News - week 49/2008

Wall Street Journal (EU) - Europe's Changing Drinking Habits: More Beer, Less Wine, Few Regrets

Europeans are supposed to sip wine in sidewalk cafés, not guzzle beer like American college students. But Europe's relationship with alcohol is changing. Countries like France and Italy, where good wine is considered a birthright, are seeing a surge in beer drinking among young people.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122842679622780557.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

YLE News (Finland) - Alcohol Main Cause of Death in Finland

The number of people who die from alcohol-related diseases or alcohol poisoning continues to rise. Alcohol remains the most common cause of death for men and women in Finland.
http://www.yle.fi/news/id109354.html

Telegraph.co.uk (France) - French doctor claims to have found 'chemical cure' for alcoholism

French cardiologist Dr Olivier Ameisen tested out baclofen on himself and was amazed by the effect it had on reducing his drinking.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/3681659/French-doctor-claims-to-have-found-chemical-cure-for-alcoholism.html

Ceylon Daily News (Sri Lanka) - Heavy fines on Alcohol, Tobacco Act violators

79.8 million has been collected as fines from Alcohol and Tobacco Act violators this year, a Health Ministry release said.
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/12/08/news33.asp

Am J Clin Nutr - Alcohol and coronary artery calcium prevalence, incidence, and progression: results from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Alcohol use has been consistently found to have a J-shaped association with coronary heart disease, with moderate drinkers exhibiting a decreased risk compared with both heavy drinkers and nondrinkers. However, results of studies of the association between alcohol use and subclinical coronary artery disease are conflicting.
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/88/6/1593

Southland Times (New Zealand) - Police issue pre-Christmas alcohol warning

As the pre-Christmas party season gets into gear, police are reminding people to watch alcohol consumption and ensure they have a ride home.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/southlandtimes/4786590a6568.html

MedIndia - Drug and Alcohol Abuse Increase ICU Admission Risk: Study

Researchers at LDS Hospital and Brigham Young University suggest that substance dependence increases medical costs by way of the intensive care unit.
http://www.medindia.net/news/Drug-and-Alcohol-Abuse-Increase-ICU-Admission-Risk-Study-44921-1.htm

ScienceAlert (Australia) - Youths ignore alcohol guidelines

National Health and Medical Research guidelines around alcohol consumption are at risk of being ignored by young people because they don’t take their drinking cultures into account, a Deakin University researcher has warned.
http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20080912-18556.html

Times and Transcript - Alcohol plays role in aggression

A new study of aggression in partner relationships shines a light on the role of alcohol consumption.
http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/lifetimes/article/504883

Australian Food (Australia) - Alcohol advertising scrutinised at meeting of health ministers

Tougher restrictions on alcohol advertising have been tabled at a meeting of the nation’s health ministers, with NSW Health Minister John Della Bosca presenting the idea in Brisbane on Friday.
http://www.ausfoodnews.com.au/2008/12/08/alcohol-advertising-scrutinised-at-meeting-of-health-ministers.html

Sydney Morning Herald - iBreath to tackle drink driving

The latest weapon in the war against drink driving is a breathalyser linked to an iPod or iPhone.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/digital-life/mp3-players/articles/ibreath-to-tackle-drink-driving/2008/12/06/1228584626484.html

Stuff.co.nz (New Zealand) - The hidden alcoholics

The number of middle-aged women diagnosed as alcohol-dependent rose from 8 per cent to 16 per cent between 1996 and 2005, according to research by the University of Western Sydney, and yet they remain a secret factor in the nation's problem with alcohol.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4786014a19716.html

Cardiosource - Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Women

This study suggests that women who consume alcohol in more than moderate amounts have an increased risk for atrial fibrillation. Compared to prior studies of men, women may experience an increased risk for atrial fibrillation at lower amounts of alcohol.
http://www.cardiosource.com/cjrpicks/CJRPick.asp?cjrID=4823

PR Leap - More and More Women Binge Drinkers Are Using Hypnosis To Stop Alcohol Binges, Finds JustBeWell.Com

Hynotherapists at the international firm JustBeWell are experiencing a signficant increase in the number of women using hypnosis to stop binge drinking.
http://www.prleap.com/pr/129834/

The Press Association (UK) - Marston's slams alcohol tax hike

Pubs group Marston's reported a 13% slide in profits and slammed this year's alcohol tax hikes as an "unwelcome" threat to the UK pub industry.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5g-y42BAwHPSHx2eUduUuYrxZ4wpw

Newsroom Finland (Finland) - Finnish Parliament passes alcohol duty rise

Finland's Parliament on Monday passed an alcohol duty rise unanimously with a number of lawmakers urging the government to propose further increases.
http://newsroom.finland.fi/stt/showarticle.asp?intNWSAID=20505&group=General

CNN (Russia) - Alcoholism in Russia amoung Highest in the World

In Russia, rates of alcohol consumption and homicide are among the highest in the world, and already-high levels increased dramatically after the breakup of the Soviet Union. Rates of both, however, vary greatly among Russia's 89 regions.
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-158333

Monday, December 1, 2008

Alcohol News - week 48/2008

Henley Standard (UK) - Brewers attack Chancellor for increased tax

BREWERS and landlords have attacked the Chancellor over his “disgraceful” increase in alcohol tax.
http://www.henleystandard.co.uk/business/business.php?id=523253

Boston Channel.com - Alcoholism Eats At Young Men's Bones

Doctors know that alcoholism can cause low bone mass in older alcoholics, but they are also finding that younger men dependent on alcohol also are at a greater risk of fractures and poor healing.
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/health/18177507/detail.html

Times Online (UK) - Supermarkets selling alcohol cheaper than water

Research has found that it costs less to quench your thirst with alcohol than bottled water at leading supermarkets.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/article5264677.ece

Times of India - Abortions may cause drug, alcohol addiction

What’s more, after an abortion, women are 30 per cent more likely to have mental disorders as compared to other ladies, the research published in the British Journal of Psychiatry has revealed. The researchers came to the conclusion after reviewing 500 women.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Health/Abortions_may_cause_drug_alcohol_addiction/articleshow/3776154.cms

CatererSearch (UK) - Government to introduce restrictions on alcohol sales and promotions

The Government has confirmed that it will introduce mandatory restrictions on the sale and promotion of alcohol, including a ban on happy hours and all-you-can drink offers.
http://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2008/12/01/325035/government-to-introduce-restrictions-on-alcohol-sales-and.html

Health Behavior News Service - Younger Alcoholic Men at Risk for Osteoporosis, Small Study Finds

Low bone mass, or osteoporosis, is a known consequence of alcoholism, especially in older alcoholics. However, a new study shows that younger male alcoholics are also at increased risk for osteoporosis. People with osteoporosis, no matter what the cause, are at an increased risk for fractures and poor fracture healing.
http://www.hbns.org/getDocument.cfm?documentID=1812

Stuff.co.nz (New Zealand) - More people being caught drink driving

An increase in the number of drink drivers has prompted fresh calls from police for a review of alcohol driving limits.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4778972a11.html

IceNews (Finland) - Finland ups its alcohol tax to curb binge drinking

The government of Finland has reported that in 2009 the state tax on all alcohol sales will be increased by an additional ten percent. The rationale behind this move is a bid by the government to discourage heavy drinking, which is continuing to be a major social problem for Finns.
http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2008/11/30/finland-ups-its-alcohol-tax-to-curb-binge-drinking/

Reuters (USA) - 5 million in U.S. go to alcohol, drug self-help groups

About 5 million Americans attend meetings of self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous for alcohol and drug abusers, and nearly half of them reported remaining clean, a federal study released on Monday showed.
http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE4AN7B920081124

Scotsman - Janey Godley: Alcoholism is the same illness no matter what job you do

MIDDLE-CLASS parents were berated last week for allowing their children to get pie-eyed drunk. So, all the previous warnings from government agencies about under-age drinking were aimed only at the lower-income end of society? Was this latest warning sent out to the posh folks on headed notepaper with a scented candle and some couscous?
http://news.scotsman.com/opinion/Janey-Godley-Alcoholism-is-the.4746610.jp

Times Online - Should alcohol carry health warnings? Yes

We believe there should be unit labelling on alcoholic beverages, as well as information at the point of sale. The Department of Health has proposed a standard message for bottles and cans which we think is good. The ideal label would include how many units the beverage contains and a health message saying “drinking to excess can harm your health”, or similar.
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/public_sector/article5247974.ece

New Straits Times (Malaysia) - Selangor alcohol ban only for Muslims, minors

The Selangor government will not implement a blanket ban on alcohol in the state but will only restrict the sale of alcohol to Muslims and those below 18 years old.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/National/2413020/Article/index_html

CBC.ca (Canada) - 'We're in denial' on alcohol abuse, Inuit politician says

The Inuit government in Labrador is sending the wrong message about alcohol abuse, a member of the Nunatsiavut legislature said.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2008/11/27/inuit-denial.html

International Herald Tribune (EU) - EU raises limits on duty-free items

New rules came into force Monday that will allow shoppers from the European Union to purchase more alcohol and other duty free products when they travel home from abroad.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/12/01/europe/EU-EU-Duty-Free-Shopping.php

7thSpace Interactive - The cost-effectiveness of increasing alcohol taxes: a modelling study

Excessive alcohol use increases risks of chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and several types of cancer, with associated losses of quality of life and life-years. Alcohol taxes can be considered as a public health instrument as they are known to be able to decrease alcohol consumption.
http://7thspace.com/headlines/298833/the_cost_effectiveness_of_increasing_alcohol_taxes_a_modelling_study.html

Ghanaweb (Ghana) - Alcoholism and the Coming Social Crisis in Ghana

The young person staggering home, evidently drunk and struggling to avoid the gutter near the “drinking spot”, couldn’t have been older than 20. That it was a woman, well-dressed with hair beautifully coiffed, was even more shocking. She was followed by a group of young men who taunted her. One even tried to grab her breasts, but she clumsily brushed him off, raining slurred insults on them as she zigzagged away.
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=153474

International Herald Tribune (Australia) - Australians debate government battle against booze

The blood oozes crimson from a jagged gash in the man's head onto the starched white hospital sheet. A booze-fueled bar brawl has left his face shredded, his brain damaged.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/11/27/asia/AS-FEA-Australia-Drinking-Down-Under.php