Concern at alcohol damage to children
CHILDREN as young as nine are being treated for alcohol-related brain damage in Glasgow.
Along with dozens of children, thousands more adults have received help from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) in the past six years.
They have been admitted to hospital for mental and behaviour problems relating to alcohol addiction, including psychotic disorders, withdrawal and delirium.
The new figures come as alcohol campaigners call for alcohol adverts to be banned before 11pm, and magazine and newspapers adverts for drinks to be restricted.
In total, since January 2011, more than 17,000 people, including 163 children, have been treated for some form of alcohol-related brain damage.
Figures show a nine-yearold boy was the youngest person to be treated for a disorder due to drinking alcohol by NHSGGC.
There have also been 69 girls and 93 boys, ranging from 13 to 17 years old, who received treatment since 2011. NHSGGC said: “Cases of alcohol-related brain damage are now being seen in people in their twenties or thirties, as a result of earlier onset of alcohol misuse and poor nutrition.”
Alison Douglas, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said: “Glasgow has the highest rate of alcohol-related hospital stays in Scotland – more than double the rate in Dumfries and Galloway.
“It is particularly concerning that so many children and young people need hospital treatment because of their drinking. Children’s bodies and brains are still developing so even small amounts of alcohol can have serious consequences.”