I've Scot a drink problem

Young Scots blame heavy drinking for memory loss, big debts, arguments and casual sex
IF something made you physically ill, behave like an idiot, put on weight and reduced your fitness levels, you would avoid it, wouldn't you?

It seems not. Even the long-term, frightening side-effects of alcohol, such as liver and pancreatic damage, don't stop the majority of people from excessive drinking. In a recent study of 18 to 35 year olds who admitted drinking to excess, an astounding 96 per cent admitted to experiencing memory loss.

The rest of their admissions in the full findings of the Scottish Executive survey, just released, are equally jaw-dropping.

They show that drinkers are prepared to accept many downsides in the quest for a good night. That includes taking risks, having days off work recovering from a hangover, falling out with family and friends, sexual behaviour they regret and getting into serious debt.

Suddenly happy hour doesn't seem so much fun.

Across Scotland 84 per cent of people questioned said drinking was part of their lifestyle and almost three quarters said they sometimes drink more than they intend to on a night out.

Drink promotions have a big effect on the amount consumed among more than half of those surveyed and 50 per cent also admitted to spending too much money on alcohol. But three quarters of the people questioned said they were concerned about the amount they were drinking affecting their health, which suggests that people are at least questioning if it's worth it.

Rather than learn the hard way and experience one hangover too many, health experts are urging Scots to wise up and think twice about the amount they consume.

Jack Law, the chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said: "Despite experiencing some potentially very serious consequences, many people don't seem to feel that these are serious enough to prevent them from drinking excessively.

"Knowing the reasons why people drink the way they do helps us as a country tackle the problem at its root. Changing the drinking habits of a nation can't be done overnight, but making people aware they are drinking to excess, the harmful effects of doing so, and the benefits of cutting down, is a good starting point."