Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

___________________________________________

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Liquor laws blamed for drink harm
JULIA MEDEW
September 23, 2009

A BIG rise in alcohol-related injuries and illnesses reported in Victoria has been linked by a researcher to the state's liberal liquor licensing.

The number of people in hospital for alcohol-related injuries and diseases in Victoria jumped 77 per cent between 1995 and 2006 - compared with a 34 per cent increase nationally, according to a report from the National Drug Research Institute.

The most common causes of admissions were alcohol dependence, falls, assaults, attempted suicide and injuries sustained in road accidents.

The report's author, Associate Professor Tanya Chikritzhs, said the big rise in alcohol-related hospital admissions in Victoria was consistent with a large increase in the number of licensed premises, from 2000 to 24,000 in the same period. . . . . . .


at