Shocking Health Stats: Underage Girls Most Effected by Alcohol-Related Conditions

UK’s Underage Drinking Hotspots: Top 10 Problem Areas Identified

• A new study analyzed hospital data to reveal regions with the highest rates of alcohol-related admissions among under-18s. 
• North Tyneside tops the list with 75.5 alcohol-related hospital admissions per 100,000 under-18s.
• Girls are significantly more likely to be admitted for alcohol-related conditions than boys.

A recent study conducted by private addiction rehab Gladstones Clinic has identified the areas in England with the highest prevalence of underage drinking, based on hospital admissions for alcohol-specific conditions among young adults.

The analysis examined data from the Office for Health Improvement & Disparities, focusing on hospital admission episodes among under-18s across districts and unitary authorities in England from 2020/21 to 2022/23.

1. North Tyneside

North Tyneside ranks highest with a rate of 75.5 hospital admissions per 100,000 under-18s due to alcohol-specific conditions. In comparison, the national average for England stands at 26.0 admissions per 100,000 under-18s.

Notably, the admission rate for girls in North Tyneside is significantly higher at 107.1 per 100,000, compared to 46.0 per 100,000 for boys. This suggests that young women in the area are particularly at risk.

2. Hastings

Hastings comes second with a rate of 72.8 alcohol-related admissions per 100,000 under-18s. Hastings displays a relatively balanced gender distribution, with female admission rates at 75.0 per 100,000 and male rates at 70.7 per 100,000—the highest male admission rate in the country.

3. St. Helens

St. Helens holds the third spot with an admission rate of 72.6 per 100,000 under-18s. The female admission rate is particularly high at 111.9 per 100,000, ranking second nationally, while the male rate is 35.3 per 100,000.

4. Cheltenham

Cheltenham ranks fourth with an overall rate of 72.0 admissions per 100,000 under-18s. The area has the highest female admission rate in the country at 115 per 100,000, while the male rate is 43.3 per 100,000.

5. North Devon

North Devon is fifth with 71.5 admissions per 100,000 under-18s. The female admission rate stands at 91.0 per 100,000, significantly higher than the male rate of 35.1 per 100,000. This aligns with the trend of higher female admissions across the top areas.

6. Southampton

Southampton records 70.5 admissions per 100,000 under-18s, placing it sixth. Female admissions are markedly higher at 103.2 per 100,000 compared to male admissions at 39.3 per 100,000.

7. Bath and North East Somerset

In seventh place, Bath and North East Somerset has a rate of 65.2 admissions per 100,000 under-18s. Female admissions are 95.8 per 100,000, while male admissions are 36.2 per 100,000, again showing a significant gender gap.

8. South Tyneside

South Tyneside ranks eighth with 61.7 admissions per 100,000 under-18s. The female rate is 80.8 per 100,000, and the male rate is 43.6 per 100,000.

9. Somerset 

Somerset is ninth with an admission rate of 60.8 per 100,000 under-18s. Females have a rate of 87.2 per 100,000, while males are at 32.6 per 100,000.

10. County Durham

County Durham completes the top ten with 58.8 admissions per 100,000 under-18s. The female admission rate is 72.5 per 100,000, and the male rate is 45.8 per 100,000.

Table: 10 Areas with Highest Underage Alcohol-Specific Hospital Admissions

The data reveals a consistent trend across many of the top-ranking areas: female under-18s are being admitted to hospital for alcohol-specific conditions at a significantly higher rate than their male counterparts. For example, in Cheltenham, the female admission rate is 115.0 per 100,000, compared to 43.3 per 100,000 for males.

This suggests that young females in these regions may be engaging in risky alcohol consumption behaviours at higher levels, which could have serious implications for their health and well-being.

Speaking on the findings, Dr Dave Barker, Consultant Psychiatrist at Gladstones Clinic, said:

“These figures are concerning and highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions in these areas. Underage drinking can have profound effects on physical health, mental well-being, and future development. It’s particularly worrying to see higher admission rates among young women, which may reflect underlying social and psychological factors that need to be addressed.

“Community-based initiatives, education, and support services are essential in tackling underage drinking. Parents and caregivers should also be encouraged to have open dialogues with young people about the risks associated with alcohol consumption.

Credit: https://gladstonesclinic.com