A concerning trend has emerged as rising hospital admissions for severe, irreversible liver disease among young people highlight a hidden risk despite overall declines in youth drinking. While most young drinkers are consuming less, a small but dangerous minority are now consuming alcohol in quantities causing long-term health damage, according to expert analysis. New research from the Burnet Institute, commissioned by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, reveals that alcohol-related hospital cases remain elevated above pre-pandemic levels, even after a spike during COVID lockdowns. The study examines nearly two decades of Victorian health data to uncover the growing prevalence of alcohol-associated harm in younger populations.
While young people are drinking less across the board, one expert says a small minority are actually drinking huge and damaging amounts of alcoholGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastRising numbers of young people are being hospitalised with severe, irreversible liver disease, as alcohol-related hospital admissions remain above pre-pandemic levels after peaking during Covid lockdowns.A new Burnet Institute report, commissioned by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (Fare), analysed nearly two decades of Victorian health data to examine the prevalence of alcohol-associated harm. Continue reading...
