Drunk Talk: A Language for Intoxication (Letter to the Editor‪)‬

Dear Editor, There has been increasing awareness of changes in alcohol consumption patterns among, in particular, young drinkers. The US Department of Health and Human Services reported that the greatest proportion of problem drinkers was between 18 and 24 years of age (DHHS, 1997). Evidence of increased levels of alcohol consumption among young people is reported in a WHO report in 2004. Research statistics on levels of alcohol consumption among young drinkers in Ireland also confirmed a high incidence of drinking to get drunk (Special Eurobarometer, 2007). Addressing these features of alcohol consumption patterns is central to any effective public health alcohol policy strategy. Concern for young people, their access to and use of alcohol is an international issue. The health promotion discourse indicates that consideration of alcohol related problems may be inadequate if it does not take into account the place of "normal" or accepted levels of alcohol consumption.