Scots' alcohol habits cause alarm

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Many young Scots regularly wake up unable to remember how much they drank the night before, a survey has claimed.

The Scottish Executive poll of 1,000 Scots found 55% of 18 to 24-year-olds fell into this category compared with 27% of all adults questioned.

Almost a third of the respondents said they have chosen to drink when they did not want to rather than decline.

Deputy Health Minister Lewis Macdonald said all Scots had to "wake up to their attitudes to alcohol and make changes".

"Over-consumption is storing up huge long-term problems - for the health of individuals and for families and communities," he said.

Researchers said the poll demonstrated that too few Scots were sticking to recommended alcohol guidelines.

The findings also suggested men felt more social pressure to drink, with almost four in 10 admitting to taking a drink even when they did not want one, compared with a quarter of female respondents.

We, as a nation, need to change the way we perceive excessive drinking Jack LawAlcohol Focus Scotland

The men questioned were also more likely to lie to avoid drinking, with 27% admitting they had made excuses, compared with 16% of women.

Examples of excuses used by respondents included "I've got a big meeting tomorrow" and "I'm on antibiotics".

The research coincides with the executive's launch of phase two of its Don't Push It advertising campaign.

Mr Macdonald said: "Working with the medical profession, the industry, retailers and the voluntary sector, we are trying to bring about a cultural change in Scotland in the way we think about alcohol.

"This will inevitably take time and personal responsibility will be a key factor."

Alcohol Focus Scotland chief executive Jack Law added: "We, as a nation, need to change the way we perceive excessive drinking, and recognise that it causes a great deal of health and social harm."