An alcoholic fog has much to recommend it | Barbara Ellen

Being stone-cold sober might be good for your health, but oh for the days of downing a glass of good wine...

A new study involving 9,000 people published in BMJ Open states that people over 50 who are otherwise solvent, active, successful and healthy are more at risk from excessive drinking than their less-well-off peers. The author, Professor Jose Iparraguirre, Age UK's chief economist, says that harmful regular drinking is a hidden, middle-class, middle-aged phenomenon and drinkers may not realise it's putting their health at risk.

Meanwhile, another study shows that, despite the government's hardline legislation, the use of ecstasy and LSD has risen sharply in the past two years among young people aged 16 to 24, up 84% and 175% respectively; and that overall young people are the most likely age group to take drugs.

Continue reading...