OECD report highlights need for action against damaging drinking habits

Governments in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have been urged to take action to tackle the rise of harmful drinking habits.

A new report from the organisation has indicated that harmful drinking is on the rise among young people and women in many OECD countries, partly due to alcohol becoming more available, more affordable and more effectively advertised.

Alcohol consumption by adults in countries is estimated at an average of around ten litres of pure alcohol per capita each year, equivalent to over 100 bottles of wine. Alcohol abuse remains one of the leading causes of death and disability, killing more people worldwide than HIV/AIDS, violence and tuberculosis combined.

Levels of alcohol consumption in the UK have increased during the last 30 years to an average of 10.6 litres of pure alcohol consumed per capita in 2011, compared with an OECD estimate of 9.5 litres.

Moreover, the proportion of British 15-year-olds who have experienced alcohol increased from 71 percent in 2002 to 75 percent in 2010.

OECD secretary-general Angel Gurria said: "This report provides clear evidence that even expensive alcohol abuse prevention policies are cost-effective in the long run and underlines the need for urgent action by governments."