Fed: $6 million granted to combat problem drinking

AAP General News (Australia)
04-01-2004
Fed: $6 million granted to combat problem drinking

Community groups have been granted $6 million to address alcohol abuse -- a problem
afflicting around two million Australians.

The federal government-funded Alcohol Education Rehabilitation Foundation has awarded
the money to 26 organisations that work to combat alcohol-related problems.

Foundation chief DARYL SMEATON says alcohol misuse costs Australians $7.5 billion a year.

It's estimated half of Australian men and a third of women drink at risky levels.

Risky levels are defined as six drinks for a man and four for a woman in any one session.

And it's estimated up to one-quarter of teenagers drink at least once a month at levels
dangerous to their health.

AAP RTV kbw/mj/sco

KEYWORD: ALCOHOL (SYDNEY)

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.