Support Groups and Issues - Alcohol

The Facts

Many People enjoy alcohol and most of the time it's not a problem. Even in communities where drinking is prohibited there is evidence that some people drink alcohol.

Drinking heavily on a regular basis can damage your health. However, there are also times when drinking alcohol in limited quantities can be beneficial.

The important thing to know is where the benefits end and the risks begin. The daily benchmark for adult men and women are a guide to how much you can drink without putting your health at risk. They apply whether you drink every day, once or twice a week, or occasionally.

Everyone takes risks at some time or other and we generally weigh up the risks before deciding whether something is worth doing. People sometimes dismiss the idea that they need to think about how much they drink. But regularly drinking too much increases the risk of long-term damage to your health.

Raised blood pressure is a very common condition, especially among older people. As blood pressure rises so does the risk of ill health, in particular of coronary heart disease and some kinds of stroke.

Some People are more at risk from drinking because of particular circumstances:

Inexperienced Drinkers

Inexperienced drinkers are more likely to be affected by alcohol, and young people may find it hard to resist group pressure to get drunk.

Drinking for Two?

Women who are pregnant, or planning a pregnancy, should take special care. Drinking alcohol may reduce fertility and the ability to conceive as well as directly affecting the developing baby in the womb. When a pregnant women drinks, alcohol passes to the baby through the placenta. Excessive drinking can affect the baby's health and weight at birth, and getting drunk is particularly risky.

Taking medication

Many drugs and medications do not combine well with alocohol. Some combinations could be fatal. You should read the label carefully and; if you are unsure, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

Most people are aware of drink-driving and don't drink if they are driving, or leave the car at home if they are going to drink. The same kind of decision needs to be made in other situations where the effects of alcohol on co-ordination and judgement could be harmful.

Don't Drink:

Before or when driving
Before or when operating machinery or equipment
Before or when using electric equipment
Before or when using ladders or working at heights
When it might affect the quality of your work
Before or when swimming or taking part in active sport
Before or when taking certain medicine
If a doctor advises you to cut down or stop drinking!

DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP!

Useful Contacts for Getting Further Information and Advice

Alcohol Concern 0171 928 7377
For general information about alcohol

National Alcohol Helpline 0800 917 8282 (from February 1999)
All calls are FREE. For confidential information, help and advice if your are worried about young person's drinking, the drinking of someone else in the family, or your own drinking.

Al-Anon Family Groups 07171 403 0888
For the families of people with drinking problems

Alateen Groups 07171 403 0888
For teenagers in families where someone has a drinking problem.

Samaritans 0345 90 90 90

Alcoholics Anonymous 01904 644 026
Your local alcohol advisory service and health promotion unit will be listed in the phone book. Look under Health Authority for your local health promotion unit.

For further information and help visit:

Alcoholics Anonymous UK - Alcoholics Anonymous UK - External Site
Alcoholics Anonymous UK - Alcoholics Anonymous - External Site
Alcohol Concern - Alcohol Concern - External Site