13 July 2015
Alcohol Abuse Has Devastating 'Domino Effect', Says RCGP in Response to Report from the Institute of Alcohol Studies
Policymakers should take heed of this important report
Dr Maureen Baker, Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said:
“Everyday in our surgeries, GPs are dealing with the fallout of alcohol abuse in some of our patients’ lives, and this report really hammers home the devastating ‘domino effect’ on families and the wider community.
“We are particularly concerned that children and young people frequently bear the brunt of alcohol abuse in the family. It is also an enormous financial drain on the NHS and the economy.
“GPs see minimum pricing as a major step forward in tackling this problem.
“It could be the catalyst we need to create a change in individual and societal attitudes and behaviour towards alcohol.
“Not only will this reduce hospital admissions, improve people's physical and mental health and ultimately save lives, it will help to create safer and healthier communities for all.
“We hope policymakers will take heed of this important report and draw on its messages to implement effective measures to reduce or prevent alcohol-related harm.”
Further Information
RCGP Press office: 020 3188 7574/7575/7581
Out of hours: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk
Notes to editor
The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 50,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.