A new study shows that twice as many Swiss men die of alcohol-related causes than women.

The study released by the Swiss centre for alcoholism in Lausanne shows that alcohol kills 2,100 people in Switzerland each year.

Three quarters succumb to alcohol-related illnesses, with the remainder dying in accidents or committing suicide as the result of drinking too much.

The study also revealed that alcohol is responsible for more than ten per cent of deaths in males between the ages of 15 and 34.

"Young people mainly die of acute deaths, such as accidents or suicides," said project manager, Dr Gerhard Gmel.

Christmas bingeing

The centre also warned of alcohol bingeing over the festive season and asked parents not to allow very young children to "join in for a sip".

It said children who are given alcohol while they are very young are more likely to become alcoholics later in life.

The experts suggest that older children should be permitted the odd sip from a glass of bubbly on occasion to discourage them from secretive drinking.

swissinfo

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