Background

Since 1999 there has been a strong increase in the number of children admitted for alcohol poisoning. In 1999, one child was admitted every two years; by 2005 the figure had risen to eight. Children are starting to drink at a younger age, and 13-14 year old girls are becoming a particular problem group. It has also been observed that the problem is becoming worse because more youths are consuming drinks with a higher alcohol content.

This applies to more than one in three youths

The number of alcohol-induced comas suffered by young people grew by 13% in 2008, with the average age falling from 15.3 years to 15.0 years as compared with 2007. Reinier de Graaf Groep published its new figures on Thursday 16 April 2009 in collaboration with NSCK (the Dutch Paediatrics Foundation), TNO Quality of Life, STAP (the Dutch Institute for Alcohol Policy) and the communications department of the University of Twente. Since 1 January 2007 the number of 10 – 17 year old youths admitted to hospital with acute alcohol poisoning has been recorded, the aim being to obtain the clearest possible picture of the circumstances that lead to acute admissions.