However, the €862,748,424 estimated annual cost of harmful drinking is only one measure of the damage caused. A new report lays bare the hidden misery of dealing with problem drinking from the perspective of those left to pick up the pieces at home, at work, and in their neighbourhoods. Robin Room, professor of alcohol policy research at University of Melbourne, described the report as one of the most detailed ever carried out on the subject. “The focus to date has been on the harm suffered by the drinker,” said Prof Room. “This report demonstrates not only the tangible impacts on the many but also the significant psychological impacts felt today and harboured for the future.”

Source: Irish Examiner April 16, 2018 23:08 UTC