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Alcohol
If you are concerned you may be drinking too much?
The first check would be to use the unit calculator. Remember that safe limits for alcohol consumption is 21 units a week for men and 14 units a week for women, with a recommended maximum of 3-4 units for men and 2-3 units for women in 24 hours.
The formula for calculating units of alcohol consumed is:
Volume of liquid (in Mls) x Percentage Volume of alcohol / 1000, e.g.
568mls (one pint) of beer x 5 (% of alcohol) / 1000 = 2.84 Units or
175mls (one glass) of wine x 12 (% of alcohol) / 1000 = 2.1 Units or
25mls (one measure) of vodka x 40 (% of alcohol) / 1000 = 1 Unit
Statistics show we are drinking more at home than in pubs and clubs, which makes it more difficult to measure drinks out. What may be a single to us at home would be a double at a bar.
The second check would be to see if you can have three alcohol free days per week. Alcohol dependence can develop easily at low levels and then progress to harmful levels. Early identification will help you change your drinking patterns, if you want to.
The third check would be asking yourself the following questions:
1. How often do you have eight or more units of alcohol during one occasion?
1. Never 2. Less Than Monthly 3. Monthly 4.Weekly 5.Daily
(If you score 4 or 5 you are drinking harmfully, if you score 3 this is hazardous drinking).
Questions 2-4 will help you to establish if your drinking is causing you or others problems
2. How often during the last year have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because of your drinking?
1. Never 2. Less Than Monthly 3. Monthly 4.Weekly 5.Daily
3. How often during the last year have you failed to do what was normally expected of you because of your drinking?
1. Never 2. Less Than Monthly 3. Monthly 4.Weekly 5.Daily
4. Has a relative or friend, a doctor or a health worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested you cut down
1. Never 2. Less Than Monthly 3. Monthly 4.Weekly 5.Daily
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What to do if you realise you have a problem
Firstly, don’t panic or feel anxious - is important to realise that you are not alone. Don’t feel ashamed, be positive, because you can do something about it.
Some people find keeping a drink diary helpful, and a website exists that will help you to monitor your alcohol use. Visit;
www.drinkaware.co.uk
Alcohol Treatment Services in Blackpool
If you would prefer to talk to someone, in confidence, you can self refer to the Community Alcohol Service in Blackpool. Here you will be given a key worker, who can offer you a range of treatment options (counselling, group work, peer support, detoxification) so that you get the help you need. The service is open some evenings, so you can go after work. (You can arrange to be seen by your alcohol counsellor at your GP’s if you prefer).
To self refer, just call 01253 752100
Self Help Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous meet regularly in Blackpool. To find out where meetings are near you please call 0845 7697555
What if you are concerned about someone else’s drinking?
We cannot stop someone else drinking, but we can encourage and help them to make changes by helping them to see the choices that are available. Sometimes the family can unconsciously support the problem drinker in their drinking habits and problem behaviours.
The Community Alcohol Service also offer support for Parents and Partners of problem drinkers. Having a problem drinker in the family is not easy. The groups are discreet, and meet weekly at the community alcohol service in Blackpool.
To find out more information please call 01253 752100
Services for young people
Contact details for the hub :
Tel: 01253 476010
Text: 07920 807021
Fax: 01253 476016
Email: thehub@blackpool.gov.uk
Self help groups for families and children
Tel: (Helpline) 020 7403 0888
Web: www.al-anonuk.org.uk
Best time to telephone: 10.00am - 10.00pm daily (confidential helpline)
Al-Anon is worldwide and offers understanding and support for families and friends of problem drinkers, whether the drinker is still drinking or not.
Alateen, a part of Al-Anon, is for young people aged 12 to 20 who have been affected by someone else's drinking, usually that of a parent .
Talk2Frank 0800 776600
And if you feel actually meeting someone would help, call UNITY on 08456017284
Other good alcohol health advice, even if you only drink occasionally….
If you are going out, drinking water at intervals throughout the evening will help with re-hydration.
Drinking a pint of water before going to bed will help to alleviate the symptoms of hangovers. A hangover is typically caused by dehydration, high body temperature and low blood sugar.
It is advisable that if you have drunk alcohol up to or beyond harmful levels, allow the body 48 hours without alcohol to recover.
You can access more alcohol information on www.drinkaware.co.uk
Drink line - 0800 917 8282, which is open Tuesday – Thursday 9.00 a.m. - 11.00 p.m, and on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday is open 24 hours
Support for Parents
please call 0808 800 2222 (parent line)
Domestic Abuse
Has your partner hurt you?
Are you trapped in an abusive relationship?
Are you afraid of someone in your home?
Are you using alcohol to escape from this abuse?
Domestic Abuse is a crime.
You are not to blame.
If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of domestic abuse, please call
0808 2000 247
Downloads
Alcohol Strategy for Blackpool
ALTN8 Campaign – Reduce effects of Binge Drinking
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