Alcohol
Around nine out of ten adults living in the UK drink, and of those the majority are able to do so without putting themselves or other people at risk. However about one in four drinkers are drinking at levels that place themselves at an increased risk of alcohol related harm. In order to find out if you are one of them you need to be able to work out how many units of alcohol you have each day. Visit the Drinkaware website and get help keeping track of how much you drink.
A unit of alcohol is a standard measure of pure alcohol, which can help you, compare and add up the amount of alcohol in different drinks. A unit is about the same amount of alcohol as you will find in half a pint of normal strength beer or lager, a small glass of wine or a pub measure of spirits.
Drinking sensibly
The Department of Health recommends that men drink no more than 3 – 4 units of alcohol a day, and women (who are not pregnant) 2 – 3 units per day, and have a couple of alcohol free days in the week. Drinking above this level starts to increase the risk of alcohol related harm, and the more you drink the more the risk increases. For more information about some of the risks associated with exceeding the recommended limits please visit the Know Your Limits website.
If you do want to cut down the amount of alcohol you drink just doing a few simple things like choosing a lower ABV drink, drinking it at a slower rate (simply putting your drink down on a table between sips can help) and spacing out your drinks (perhaps with a non-alcoholic drink) can all help.
You may need to look at when, where and with whom you drink and avoid people places and times that you over indulge, this can be particularly helpful if you rush your drinks or drink in rounds. A free online course for helping you to reduce the amount you drink is available from the Down Your Drink website.
Getting help
If you are misusing alcohol, or if you are concerned about a friend or relative, contact your GP who will help you to access the right health services.
SORTED is Northumberland's young persons' substance misuse service. If you are under 18 and need information and support regarding drugs or alcohol - contact SORTED Tel: 0800 6335872. Text: 07788 496793 or visit the website at: www.sortednorth.co.uk
Escape family support offers confidential advice to anyone affected by alcohol or other substance abuse. Call their 24hr helpline: 07702 833944 or visit their website for more information. www.escapefamilysupport.co.uk
Alcohol Concern provides detailed information on alcohol related issues. Visit their website at www.alcoholconcern.org.uk.
Copies of the local strategy to reduce alcohol related harm are also available online from the Northumberland County Council website.
