Alcohol: children problem drinking

The majority of children who drank alcohol have been drunk.

• In 2004, almost one in five (18%) of 15 year olds and 6% of 13 year olds who had ever drunk alcohol reported having been drunk more than 10 times.

(Source: Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey (SALSUS))

Pupils who drank alcohol more frequently were also more likely to show evidence of drinking to excess.

In 2002:

• The majority of the weekly drinkers (92%) had been drunk compared with just over half (56%) of less frequent drinkers.
• Almost all weekly drinkers (94%) reported drinking five or more drinks on the same occasion at some time, compared with 59% of those who drank less frequently.

(Source: Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey (SALSUS))