A third of Warwickshire adults drink too much - prompting advice from county council - The Stratford Observer

A third of Warwickshire adults drink too much - prompting advice from county council

Stratford Editorial 21st Nov, 2021   0

A THIRD of Warwickshire adults drink more alcohol than the recommended 14 units a week – prompting the county council to encourage them to cut down.

During Alcohol Awareness Week (November 15-21), Warwickshire County Council has been suggesting residents reflect on their drinking and look at ways to reduce it.

Data shows that adults in Warwickshire aged 35-64 are most likely to be admitted into hospital for an alcohol related condition, including liver disease, alcoholic ketoacidosis, diabetes, fatty liver, cancers, high blood pressure and heart attack.

While it is safer not to drink alcohol at all, healthcare officials recommend that those who choose to do so consume no more than 14 units spread across three or four days each week.




WCC’s adult drug and alcohol treatment service Change, Grow, Live Warwickshire (CGL) saw a huge increase in people visiting their alcohol information pages during lockdown, showing that more people are thinking about their drinking habits and seeking support.

The council’s health spokeswoman Coun Margaret Bell said: “The past couple of years have been very difficult for everyone as we have all dealt with the Covid-19 pandemic.


“Many people find comfort in alcohol, particularly in times of increased stress – but increased alcohol intake can worsen mental health problems.

“Warwickshire County Council services are here to support our residents.”

The council suggested finding positive alternatives to using alcohol as a coping mechanism, such as chatting with family and friends, exercising, or picking up new skills or hobbies.

WCC also suggested cutting down on drinking by setting limits, having at least three alcohol-free days each week, not drinking on an empty stomach, having soft drinks in between each alcoholic one, and distract yourself for a few minutes if you have cravings.

Visit www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-service-warwickshire for more information on CGL, a free and confidential drug and alcohol service for Warwickshire adults.

Call 0800 088 7248, text 07507 331525 or email [email protected] or for more information on Compass, a free, confidential substance misuse service for children and young people who need support around their own or another person’s drug or alcohol use.

Visit www.alcoholchange.org.uk for more advice on finding positive alternatives to using alcohol, or https://tinyurl.com/4ummf9tc to take the Alcohol Change quiz to review your drinking habits.

Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/alcohol to talk to someone about your drinking habits, or you are concerned about someone you know.

Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/health for more information about mental health, wellbeing and drug and alcohol services in Warwickshire.

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