Alcohol Awareness Week campaigns for change and this year’s theme is ‘Understanding alcohol harm’.
Alcohol Awareness Week is coordinated by Alcohol Change UK. Each year over 5000 public health services, workplaces, pharmacies, hospitals, charities, community groups and GPs take part to raise awareness and share the support that is out there for those struggling with alcohol addiction.
Alcohol can sometimes play a big part of our lives, especially in the warmer months when it is promoted during sports games, advertised on our commutes, and discounted in our supermarkets.
It can be used when we celebrate, but sometimes it can become a problem and a way to cope. Each year thousands of people become addicted to alcohol and experience long-term health problems that can lead to death from alcohol related causes.
This year’s theme explores what is meant by ‘alcohol harm’ and its aim is to get the country talking about what the role of alcohol plays in our lives, society, families and communities. By getting people talking, this provides an environment for open discussions around alcohol, and encourages those who are struggling to come forward and ask for the help they need.
If you would like to discuss this further, or talk to someone, please see below a list of services that can help:
- NHS www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/alcohol-support/
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
- Drink Aware www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice-and-support/