This article is from page 11 of the 2006-03-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
THE Clare branch of Macra Na Feirme has expressed concern over the attitude taken by many young Irish people towards alcohol.
A survey produced by the young farmers organisation revealed that 57 per cent of young people did not consider themselves to be “binge drinking” unless they consumed ten or more alcoholic drinks in one sitting.
This is despite the fact that the World Health Organisation defines binge drinking as consuming in excess six drinks in a single session. Less than one fifth of young people surveyed agreed with this definition.
More than three hundred people between the ages of seventeen and thirty five years of age were interviewed as part of the Macra na Feirme national survey.
According to the head of Macra in Clare, Joe Carrig, attitudes in the county could even be worse than those nationally.
“People in the late 20’s and 30’s seemed to have a more responsible attitude towards alcohol,” said Mr Carrig.
“There are a lot of young people in Clare, so I’d say that the attitudes would be worse here if anything.”
More than 53 per cent of those surveyed admitted that due to alcohol consumption, they did not remember how they got home following a night out, on at least one occasion. The survey also revealed that the majority of young drinkers consumed alcohol more than once a week.
“It is very dangerous if you wake up after a night out and don’t remember where you have been or what you have done,” said Mr Carrig.
“I was really surprised with the numbers. It could lead people into dangerous situations, or unplanned pregnancy.”
Mr Carrig said that while the attitudes of young people towards alcohol was a concern in every area of society, people in urban areas tended to be at greater risk than those living in rural communities.
“It’s not just in Clare, there is a problem everywhere.
“I don’t think that it is as bad in rural areas. In a town or city, a quiet person can fall through the cracks, but there is more support available from different organisations in country areas.”
The survey also revealed that only ten per cent of young people considered themselves to be non-drinkers.