NHS Tayside

Alcohol Awareness Week 2016

FRIDAY, 11 NOVEMBER, 2016

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PHOTO OPPORTUNITY –12.20PM, MONDAY, 14 NOVEMBER, ARDLER VILLAGE TRUST SHOP

PHOTO ATTACHED – PHOTO OF ALCOHOL MEASURING CUP

Alcohol Awareness Week 2016

People are being asked to think about alcohol and how it affects us as individuals, families, communities and society as a whole as part of Alcohol Awareness Week (14–20 November).

Staff from the Focus on Alcohol project, which is part of the Dundee Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP), will be taking part in events across the city to mark the annual campaign. These events are being held in collaboration with Addaction and ASDA community champions.

A key message of the campaign will be to highlight the fact that small changes in people’s drinking can make a real difference to the quality of their lives; helping people to get more out of their day, week and weekends.

The theme for Alcohol Awareness Week this year is ‘Alcohol: Know the risks’

Due to greater availability and the low cost of alcohol, people now consume greater volumes of alcohol in their own homes rather than in pubs, bars and restaurants.

NHS Tayside Director of Public Health Dr Drew Walker said, “A lot of people in Tayside and across the UK are drinking to harmful levels at home in the evening or over dinner. They are causing huge damage to their bodies and long-term health.

“Scotland’s relationship with alcohol led to us having one of the fastest growing rates of liver disease in the world. Twenty two Scots lost their lives because of alcohol every single week last year. We advise people not to exceed recommended government guidelines - the maximum weekly intake of alcohol is 14 units for both men and women.

“It is very beneficial for every household that consumes alcohol at home to use an alcohol unit measure to keep an eye on their intake.”

During Alcohol Awareness Week, information stalls will take place in the following venues:

• Ardler Village Trust shop on Monday, 14 November 2016

• Albert Street Hub on Tuesday, 15 November 2016

• Asda Dundee West on Wednesday, 16 November 2016

• Asda Milton on Thursday, 17 November 2016

Staff will be on hand to provide information and advice about the safe consumption of alcohol and people will be encouraged to consider the effects of regularly drinking above the recommended alcohol guidelines. Information will also be available on how making small changes, such as alternating alcohol with soft drinks or water and having two alcohol-free days a week, can lead to health improvements.

For those who are unable to visit these stalls, Dundee ADP offers free Alcohol Unit measuring cups for use at home. The measuring cups will be available during Alcohol Awareness Week from The Health Shop at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee House reception, Albert Street Hub at Boots chemist, The Crescent, Whitfield and the Ardler Village Trust shop.

If you are in the routine of drinking a lot at home, try out these five simple cutting down ideas:

• Keep track of the alcohol units you’re drinking (no more than 14 units a week spread gradually during the week) by using a unit measuring cup at home

• Take note of what you are buying – buy lower percentage wine or use smaller glasses for use in the house

• Dinner only drinking - having alcohol only with your evening meal can help you drink less, but enjoy it more.

• Don’t finish your bottle, leave it for the next time to enjoy.

• Don’t keep too much alcohol in the house - only buy as much as you intend to drink in one evening