54% of the Bulgarian youngsters binge drink at least once a month.

54% of the Bulgarian youngsters binge drink at least once a month. 14% had driven under the influence of alcohol during the month, preceding the research. 63% of them go out at night with clear idea to drink, another 12% decide on the spot. These and many other interesting facts were presented on the "10 D by night" final conference, which took place in Torino on February 19, 2010 and was hosted by the University of Torino. "Open Youth" presented its experience in working on the project in Bulgaria, which was gathered during last year graduation parties in Vidin, Ruse, Veliko Tarnovo, Gabrovo, Sliven and Burgas. The research covered 5000 youngsters from Bulgaria, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Poland and Spain in the framework of the two-year project, co-funded by the European Union Executive Agency of Consumers and Health. Very interesting is the comparison of the Bulgarian youngsters habits in using alcohol and psychoactive substances, followed by driving, with those of their European peers. As total the conclusions are positive. Despite that binge drinking is close to the average persantage (+4%), the willing to drive is far under it (-30%). The use of psychoactive substances is 45% lower than the average, while driving after their use is three times less. Bulgarians have been arrested two times less for driving under influence. However the crashes under influence are only 25% less. Other interesting facts: - The Bulgarians go out most sober in night with an average of 0.18 promiles but quickly catch up to 0.45 promiles. - 11% of the people plan to drive although their concentration of alcohol in the blood is more than 0.5 promiles. 6% get on the car immediately, the other 5% a bit later. For Bulgaria the respective figures are 6%, 1% and 5%. - The difference in quantity of used alcohol has little effect on men’s ability to react. In women is quite the opposite. There is an enormous improvement when the alcohol concentration in the blood diminishes and the situation worsens a lot with increase in the concentration. Details about the conclusions of the project ca be read in its Final Manual and the University of Torino presentation, which can be downloaded for free here.