For the first time we have figures from the IMA (Inter Mutualist Agency) about how many young people enter in the emergency services after the abuse of alcohol. There was accurately recorded based on a blood test. 45 young people each week end their weekend in a hospital.
Regarding our national alcohol policy, young people in general need to be informed and sensitized about alcohol. But sensitization is not enough! A comprehensive alcohol policy means early intervention (FreD), supervision (TAKE CARE), regulation and control. This range of measures were all contained in the alcohol plan that a few months ago, unfortunately, was not adopted by the Federal Government.
It was the alcohol lobby that won the debat.
No structural financement for early interventions and stepped care.
No political strength to change the limit age for alcohol consume (16/18y in Belgium) and
still alcohol for sale in filling stations at the highway – 24h a day!
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(Carlo Baeten, CAD Limburg)