Alcohol Action Ireland today (25th June) called on any Irish student planning a post-exam holiday to think carefully about their trip. Increasingly post-exam holidays abroad have become the pattern for many young students after their heavy schedule is concluded.
Frequently many travel on packages specially prepared for students with Spain, especially the Balearic Islands’ destinations, Greece and Cyprus all featuring as choice destinations.
Last year many young Irish holidaymakers very quickly fell victim of excessive alcohol consumption and tragically some did not return home at all.
Alcohol Action Ireland is advising students to avoid a frenetic ‘first night – all nighter’.
A review of incidence of accident and altercation over recent times, highlights that too often, first night over-indulgence, especially when students are overly tried, dehydrated and in a strange environment, can end with a very significant personal cost.
Commenting on these trends, Dr Sheila Gilheany, CEO Alcohol Action Ireland said:
‘Last year we recorded a number of incidences from young Irish people holidaying aboard, and most occurred on their first night in their destination.
Young people just need to take a small bit of time to think about their own safety and the consequences of their actions. They need to be sure they allow enough time to recover after the stress and strain of all the time and energy put into their exams before partying all night.
Alcohol consumption on a tired body and stressed mind is not a good combination, and young people need time to rest and recuperate before trying to negotiate risky situations that can lead to grave consequences.
We are also calling on the travel companies and their destination reps, who arrange such packages, to take steps to offer some advice and support to young students, many of who will be experiencing their first trip abroad.’
ENDS
