People urged to check their drinking habits as part of national campaign
Shropshire’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) are encouraging people to check out their drinking habits as part this year’s National Alcohol Awareness Campaign launched on Monday 17 November 2014.
DAAT, who are part of Shropshire Council’s public health team, are asking people to visit the Healthy Shropshire website and use some of the tools on the site, to understand more about the impact of your drinking, find out whether you’re overdoing it, and what action you need to take to help improve your health for the long term.
The annual National Alcohol Awareness Campaign runs until Sunday 23 November 2014, and this year’s theme, “Facing our alcohol problem: Taking back our health and high streets”, is focusing on raising awareness on the dangers that drinking alcohol has on health, and the impacts that drinking can have on the community.
Aquarius provide a free confidential service in Shropshire to those who have a problem with alcohol, or are affected by someone else’s drinking. The service will be on hand to give advice at the Voluntary and Community Sector Showcase Event being held at Shirehall on Tuesday 25 November 2014 from 10am to 2pm. Information posters and leaflets by Aquarius will be on display at GP surgeries across the county.
According to Public Health England, it is estimated that in England nine million adults drink alcohol at levels that increase the risk of harm to their health. In Shropshire, it is estimated that up to 20% of the population (45,000 people) are drinking at levels that could increase the risk of harm to their health: this is slightly above the West Midlands average of 19%.
Karen Calder, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, said:
“We have some great advice and information on our Healthy Shropshire website to help people lead healthier lives. I would really encourage people to visit the site, to find out more how their drinking habits could be impacting on their health.”
High levels of alcohol consumption can lead to long term damage to your healt, and alcohol has been clearly linked to numerous serious health conditions including cancer, liver disease, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and depression.
Alcohol misuse is a contributing factor in both marital breakdowns and domestic violence. It is also a contributing factor in nearly half of violent assaults. In England, 3,000 people are killed or injured by drunk drivers who are over the legal limit every year, and about 13% of road fatalities are thought to involve alcohol.
If you, or someone you know, is affected by or worried about alcohol use, please call Aquarius on 0300 4564 299.
To find out whether your drinking habit could be impacting on your health, visit http://www.healthyshropshire.co.uk/topics/alcohol-and-drug-awareness/alcohol/how-much-should-you-have/.
