Dangers of binge drinking (From Stourbridge News)

Dangers of binge drinking

9:03am Sunday 24th February 2008 in Local

Revellers will be reminded about the dangers of binge drinking as part of a borough-wide health drive.

Dudley Primary Care Trust (PCT) has launched 'Too Much Alcohol Know Your Limits' to raise awareness of binge drinking to 18 to 25-year-olds in the borough.

The scheme will start with 15 branded taxis driving around the borough with posters and key rings on show in Dudley pubs with the message Too much alcohol can make you do things you wouldn't normally'.

Information will be handed out to punters in Stourbridge from Thursday February 28 to Saturday March 1 to spread the message.

Health chiefs claim men should sink a maximum of three or four units of booze per day and no more than 21 units each week. Women should drink a maximum of two or three units of alcohol a day and a maximum of 14 units each week.

The short-term damage done by binge-drinking can include accidents and injuries, anti-social behaviour, alcohol poisoning and unplanned pregnancies. Long-term effects of binge-drinking include brain, heart and liver damage, mouth and throat cancer and a rise in risk of breast and stomach cancer.

Valerie Little, director of public health, Dudley PCT, said: "The aim of this campaign is to remind everyone who is planning a night out to drink sensibly without damaging their health.

"Taking a few simple precautions can ensure that a fun night out stays that way."

For more information go to www.knowyourlimits.gov.uk