Alcohol disorders campaign launched

Health advocates are campaigning for better communications to help pre - vent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and better support for those with or caring for some - one with the life-long condition.

Supporting this call, today MSPS are to participate in their first post-lockdown Members’ debate, recognising the impact of Alcohol F et al Spectrum Disorders. The motion has been lodged by Kenneth Gibson MSP, who has a long-standing interest in the issue. It highlights that F et al Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is the most common, non-genetic cause of learning disability in the Scotland, and that it is entirely preventable.

It is estimated around 1 in 20 children in Scotland are affected by F AS D, a much higher prevalence than previously believed. Exposure to alcohol during pregnancy is the only cause of FASD, so it is vitally important that the risks of drinking in pregnancy are well known and understood by those thinking of starting a family.

Alison Douglas, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said, “Every parent wants the best for their child but it is difficult to make the healthy choice when awareness of the impacts of drinking alcohol during pregnancy are so low.”