Doncaster people who are worried that they may have a drinking problem are being urged to seek help and advice from a local drug and alcohol service.
We are launching a Rethink your Drink campaign as part of Alcohol Awareness Week (11-17 November 2019).
The Rethink your Drink Doncaster awareness campaign aims to encourage middle aged drinkers in the borough to reduce their drinking levels to within the recommended guidelines of 14 units of alcohol per week for both men and women.
Stuart Green, Aspire Service Manager, said: “During this year’s Alcohol Awareness Week we will are letting the over 40s know that support is available if they are worried about their own or someone else’s drinking levels.
“There is clear evidence that people in this age range are more likely to regularly drink above the safe recommended levels. This means that they are putting themselves at higher risk of alcohol related harm than the rest of the population. We hope that this campaign will get people thinking about how their drinking affects their health and those around them.”
The team is working in partnership with colleagues at Doncaster Public Health as part of the Doncaster Alcohol Alliance. The aim of the Alliance is to encourage residents to ease off their alcohol intake and reduce the number of people attending hospital with alcohol related health conditions.
Rupert Suckling, Director of Public Health for Doncaster, said: “By working closely with our partners as part of the Doncaster Alcohol Alliance, we hope to raise awareness of potential alcohol-related risks, especially in the lead up to the festive period. The Rethink your Drink campaign highlights the link between alcohol intake and its impact on things such as sleeping patterns, weight and cancer rates, and aims to encourage more residents who may be struggling to seek the support that is available in Doncaster.”
Dr David Crichton, Chairman of NHS Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “It is easy for alcohol units to mount up with many people not realising how much they are drinking. Watching how much you drink and taking more drink free days can help to reduce the health risks associated with alcohol and you will see a positive impact upon your mental health as well how you feel in your body.”
Aspire provides a range of self-help strategies and inpatient detox and rehabilitation to support people in recovery from an alcohol related problem.
If you or someone you know is experiencing drug or alcohol issues and want to talk to someone in confidence please visit www.aspire.community, or ring 01302 730956.
