This year alcohol awareness week falls on the 3-9th July, with a theme of ‘the true cost of alcohol’.
Did you know…. ?
The total social cost of alcohol to society is estimated to be at least £21 billion each year.
Alcohol awareness week is an important event which aims include promoting responsible drinking and reducing alcohol-related harm. This week is an opportunity for everyone to help raise awareness about the dangers of excessive alcohol, with a goal of helping to encourage people to make informed decisions about alcohol consumption and highlight the resources available to help those who may need it.
Alcohol can affect people in different ways, but in the long term it can have a range of effects on your body including both mental and physical health problems. It is essential that if you do drink, you drink in moderation where possible to help avoid any negative outcomes. Although we don’t always think of it, alcohol is actually a psychoactive substance, meaning it can change the way we think and feel – whether it makes you feel positive, depressed or anxious can depend on how much alcohol you are drinking in one go, so it is crucial that you keep an eye on how much you are drinking through the week and follow guidelines such as the below.
If you’re interested in hearing about peoples different stories this alcohol awareness week Alcohol Change, the organisers of alcohol awareness week, have a blog where others have shared their experiences.
And if you, or anyone you know needs help with alcohol, they also have a handful of links, resources and phonelines to help, found here.
So, this alcohol awareness week try and support yourself or those who need it on the journey towards a healthier lifestyle and better mental health.