Drinking alcohol is part of our national culture and so it's easy for us to feel that we know all about it - but how much of what we know is based in fact and do you know what actions you should take based on those facts?

Can alcohol ruin your life and the lives of those you love?

Either on its own or in conjunction with other factors, alcohol is estimated to be responsible for at least 33,000 deaths in the UK each year.  In Liverpool the consumption of alcohol in a harmful way or by binge drinking is worse than both the England and the North West.  Rates of alcohol and related hospital admission are above regional and national averages.  More than one in 25 adults are dependent on alcohol, and the UK has one of the highest rates of binge drinking in Europe.
Drinking sensibly

The Government’s daily guideline is two to three units for women and three to four for men but also can lead to drinking related health problems.   And if you are one of them you need to consider taking action.  The consumption levels here are just for guidelines and your individual rate may vary.  You should also consider alcohol free days. This gives your liver a chance to properly metabolise the alcohol and recover from what is a potentially toxic substance.

Drinkaware aims to change the UK’s drinking habits and promote responsible drinking. 

020 7307 7450  www.drinkaware.co.uk

Down your Drink is an organisation that helps you work out how much you are drinking and how to drink sensible amounts.

www.downyourdrink.org.uk

What does alcohol do?

Alcohol can play a significant role in our lives and as long as you drink sensibly then it can actually contribute to your life and will not impact your wellbeing. 

What we do know is that alcohol can have very detrimental effects if consumed in excess.  Although many people talk about and often think that alcohol is a stimulant, it is actually a depressant!  We know that alcohol shrinks your brain and causes dehydration.  Drinking alcohol is linked to both anxiety and depression and is linked to self-harm, suicide and psychosis.  Apart from affecting your mental health, consuming alcohol also affects your memory and brain function. It also contributes to weight gain and changes in physical appearance.  Up to one in three adults is at risk of alcohol-related liver disease.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary group that offers mutual support:

0845 769 7555

The Pssst Campaign brings together partners within Liverpool to promote public awareness aimed at tackling the various aspects of alcohol consumption.

www.pssst.org.uk

Young people and alcohol

Medical advice is that children should not drink before they are 15.    If 15-17-year-olds drink, they should do so infrequently and definitely on no more than one day a week at very low levels and supervised by an adult.

Merseyside Youth Association OKUK provides alcohol related advice to 11-19 year olds

0151 702 0700

Young Addaction – local service advising young people

0800 0196 197