In this March 17, 2011 file photo, actor Daniel Radcliffe poses for a portrait in New York.Charles Sykes
Daniel Radcliffe has surprised many people by admitting in a recent interview he has a drinking problem and has decided to give up alcohol completely.
Mr. Radcliffe, the 21-year-old star of the Harry Potter movie franchise, made the comments in an interview that will be published in the August edition of the British version of GQ magazine.
He said that he became increasingly reliant on booze when he turned 18, during filming of the Harry Potter movies and decided he had to give up alcohol completely last August.
"As much as I would love to be a person that goes to parties and has a couple of drinks and has a nice time, that doesn't work for me," the actor told the magazine.
Mr. Radcliffe's admission that he now prefers quiet nights in instead of booze-fuelled parties comes at a time when binge drinking has become increasingly socially acceptable among young people. Many public health experts have been trying to warn about the serious dangers of overindulging in alcohol, but to limited success.
Should more young people be taking a closer look at their alcohol consumption patterns and taking action to avoid excessive amounts of liquor?
The answer in some cases may be yes. But medical experts also say the rampant incidence of youth binge drinking now requires a comprehensive strategy to bring the rates down.
Many experts advocate for better education and awareness programs that would discourage binge drinking and excessive use of alcohol at an early age.
So Mr. Radcliffe may be setting a good example by publicly declaring he has gone sober.
Do you think the message will resonate with anyone else?
Carly Weeks