Go easy on the knees up
The extension of drinking hours to mark the Royal Wedding later this month have led to a Warwickshire service urging people to keep alcohol consumption under control.
Latest available figures show that in Warwickshire there has been an 11 per cent increase in the rate of admissions to hospital for alcohol related conditions – this is in addition to the hundreds of people who just attend Accident and Emergency Units for treatment.
Lasting effects of excessive drinking could include personal injury; a criminal record; damage to relationships and serious illness.
The DAAT foresees that the Government’s decision to relax opening hours for pubs and bars over the Royal Wedding weekend could lead to prolonged drinking bouts as people head to the pub after a long day celebrating.
Warwickshire’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) is offering advice to remind residents choosing to toast the happy couple on 29 April to do so sensibly and is offering some tips for responsible drinking to help people stick to their limits.
· Pace yourself with water or a soft drink after each alcoholic drink.
· Eat before you start drinking, or at least enjoy snacks or a meal with your drink.
· If you’re going out in the car to a party to celebrate the occasion, make a decision in advance of who’ll be your designated non-drinking driver.
· Or plan a safe way to get home before you go using public transport or licensed taxi companies.
· Know your limits. It is recommended that men drink no more that 3-4 units per day and intake for women should not exceed 2-3 units per day.
Warwickshire’s Substance Misuse Strategy Team Manager, Paul Hooper said: “Obviously people often drink alcohol during celebrations, but there’s a clear distinction between drinking sensibly and drinking excessively which has a number of serious consequences.
“Short term effects of excess alcohol consumption include implications for your concentration levels, weight, sleep patterns and blood pressure. Longer term it had lead to problems such as liver disease, cancer and heart problems.”
“Hopefully people will bear our advice in mind as they take a tipple and this will stop them spoiling enjoyment of this day which will hold special memories for many.”
Warwickshire County Councillor Richard Hobbs, Portfolio Holder for Community Protection added: “The Royal Wedding, celebratory street parties, and extended licensing hours should be opportunities to improve community cohesion as the neighbours get together to mark this national event. Unfortunately incidences of reckless drinking at such events can contribute to anti-social behaviour and increase problems such as crime and disorder instead.
“Hopefully our messages will encourage individuals to think before they drink to make sure they don’t harm themselves or others, finish up in A&E, or even in a police cell.”
The DAAT’s key function is to support individual agencies and county and district partners to develop strategic and operational responses to the harm caused by drugs and alcohol.
A number of services are represented by, and support the work of the DAAT including Warwickshire County Council, NHS Warwickshire, local service providers, Warwickshire Police, Warwickshire Probation Service and the District and Borough Councils.