Boozing by teen girls in Galway worst in the country

Date Published: 05-Nov-2012

BY CIARAN TIERNEY

Heavy drinking among teenage girls in Galway is rampant, according to the findings of research, which revealed that the incidence is higher than anywhere else in the country

The research has shown that drinking among young girls in the West of Ireland is on a par with that among their male counterparts, in stark contrast to other regions across the State where boys consume more alcohol than girls.

“For some reason, we have more girls drinking as much as boys in the West of Ireland than in any other region,” said Liam O’Loughlin of the Western Region Drugs Task Force yesterday.

Research has also shown that underage drinking, in general, is higher in the West than the national average. Over 46% of teenagers aged 15 to 17 report having had a drink in the past 30 days, compared to 40% nationally.

And the Health Behaviour in School Age Children study, found that 40.8% of the same age group reported being drunk in the past 30 days compared to a national figure of 36.6%.

The problem is just one of the issues which will be highlighted during the city’s first ever Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week which begins next Monday.

While a packed programme of events aims to increase awareness of the impact of all drugs, both legal and illegal, the Drugs Task Force aims to put the spotlight on alcohol – which is the most abused substance in Co Galway.

“We want to help to reduce the harm caused to individuals, families and communities across Galway through the misuse of alcohol and drugs,” said Liam O’Loughlin, Community Liaison Officer for Galway City and Connemara.

Further details about the Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week can be obtained at (087) 6217728 or on-line at www.wrdtf.ie.

Read more in today’s Connacht Sentinel