60 per cent of Spanish aged 14-18 admit to have got drunk

ALMOST 60 per cent of Spanish people aged 14 – 18 admit they have got drunk at least once in their lives.

Spanish Health Minister, Leire Pajin, revealed data from a survey, which also shows more than half of this age group admitted to having consumed five or more drinks in the space of two hours.

Almost three in four say they have consumed alcohol in the past 12 months and 63 per cent in the past month. The survey also shows they begin drinking on average at 14 years old. More than half of youths have been drunk in the past year and a third  in the past month.

“This is not a problem which only affects youths” the Minster said, “it affects the whole society.”

“We are all responsible to a certain degree” Pajin said, “because our society has adapted to tolerate the consumption of some substances.” She pointed out that alcohol consumption is widely extended amongst youths and is on the rise.

The parties who signed the agreement will create a group to design a campaign aimed at youths and set objectives such as avoiding promoting alcohol related to social or sexual success or improved physical performances. The aim is to educate youths about the risks to their health and lives and gives families the tools to recognize the symptoms.