Health and social care organisations in Doncaster are encouraging residents in the borough to rethink their drink and live healthier and happier lives in the New Year.
As part of Dry January, Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) which runs Aspire Drug and Alcohol Service in partnership with the Drug and Alcohol Service; NHS Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group and Doncaster Public Health are reminding people that support is available if they are worried about their own or someone else’s drinking levels.
Stuart Green, Aspire Service Manager, said: “If you are struggling to have alcohol free days or feel unwell when you stop drinking you may need more specialist support. Drinking regularly over a long periods can result in serious physical and mental health problems placing a strain on families.”
The NHS recommends that people should not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week (one unit of alcohol is about half a pint of normal-strength lager; or a single measure of spirit, however a small glass of wine contains about 1.5 units of alcohol).
Dr David Crichton, Chair, Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group said: “Dry January is an important awareness raising campaign that I encourage everyone to get behind.
“We have a number of dedicated services in Doncaster people who want help to reduce their alcohol intake and also support those who access our mental health services due to the negative effects that alcohol can have on people’s emotional health and wellbeing.
“As a GP, I would encourage people to think about how much they drink to make a healthy start to 2020 and beyond.”
Rupert Suckling, Doncaster Director of Public Health, said “After the often excesses of the Christmas period, a month off alcohol lowers blood pressure, reduces diabetes risk, lowers cholesterol, and reduces levels of cancer-related proteins in the blood. During Dry January last year 88% of participants saved money, 71% slept better and 58% lost weight. Dry January is an excellent way of learning what your drinking habits are and how to break them, enabling you to cut down longer-term.”
Dry January is Alcohol Change UK’s awareness campaign which encourages people to give their bodies a month long break from alcohol. To register for Dry January sign up https://alcoholchange.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/dry-january/sign-up-for-dry-january
If you someone you know is experiencing drug and alcohol issues and want to talk in confidence please visit www.aspire.community or ring 01302 730956.