8mn Italians at risk for alcohol consumption - ISS

(ANSA) - ROME, APR 16 - In 2022 some eight million Italians drank alcohol in quantities large enough to put their health at risk, the Higher Health Institute (ISS) said in the annual report of its alcohol consumption observatory Tuesday.
    Some 3. 7 million binge drinkers drank solely to get drunk and some 770,000 caused damage to their health with their alcohol consumption, said the report.
    Only 8.2% of alcoholics are in treatment, it said.
    Some 4,000 minors ended up in emergency rooms after drinking too much in 2022, the report said.
    "Around 104,000 under 18s are binge drinkers," it said.
    "Alcohol consumption in Italy shows a consolidated and concerning situation of an increase in the risks which are spreading like wildfire among the most vulnerable segments of the population: minors, teenagers, women and the elderly," said Emanuele Scafato, director of the Osservatorio Nazionale Alcol of the ISS.
    "It is necessary to promptly intercept all at-risk consumers and assure treatment for those who are damaging their health as well as alcohol addicts." (ANSA).