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Two children under a year old are among those who have been treated by NHS Grampian for illnesses related to alcohol.

Over the last three years, 165 children aged 16 or younger have been admitted to hospital with similar ailments, figures obtained under freedom of information legislation show.

The news comes after a report by the British Medical Association (BMA) last week urged the government to act on the UK's "epidemic" of alcohol abuse.

Thirteen-year-olds made up the largest proportion of under-16s admitted to hospital for alcohol treatment.

Meanwhile, 23 babies younger than a year were treated for neo-natal abstinence syndrome in hospitals in Scotland's north-east.

The syndrome refers to health problems incurred by infants when they suffer withdrawal symptoms following exposure to narcotics.

Labour MSP Richard Baker described the statistics as "deeply concerning and shocking".

He told the Press and Journal: "The facts highlight a real cultural problem we have with binge drinking in Grampian, particularly among young people."

A spokesperson for NHS Grampian said alcohol abuse is one of the most serious public health concerns.

"Tackling it is a priority for NHS Grampian," he added.

Article published on 27/02/2008 by DryOutNow.com

DryOutNow.com provides highly practical help for people with alcohol problems, their friends and relatives. DryOutNow.com also provides free resources for healthcare professionals such as medical information and alcohol treatment guidelines.

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