Alcohol Awareness



Posted 22/07/2024





How often have you opened a bottle of wine or beer and consumed the bottle and then some?


Alcohol misuse is a very common issue and something more and more of us are struggling to control in the UK. How often have you missed work due to your alcohol consumption or have regretted the amount that you have drank the night before?


These are real questions that can help raise awareness of your drinking habit or the habits of those close to you. Alcohol misuse is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health, and disability amongst 15-49 year olds in the UK.


Alcohol is a causal factor in more than 60 medical conditions, including: mouth, throat, stomach, liver and breast cancers; high blood pressure, cirrhosis of the liver; and depression. Alcohol misuse costs the economy billions each year and it is a very real problem.


Alcohol Awareness Week 2024 is a dedicated time for raising awareness about the risks associated with alcohol consumption, promoting healthier lifestyle choices, and providing support for those struggling with alcohol-related issues.


No-one is saying that you should not drink alcohol, a lot of us find that one glass at the end of a busy day relaxing, however when your drinking is getting out of hand it is time to change.


Alcohol misuse is a topic which many people bring to counseling.


Some individuals use alcohol as a way of coping with the stressors of everyday life and when it becomes a daily way of coping, counselling helps people to not only understand the reasons why, but it also helps to shift that focus onto something else more beneficial.


Understanding the amount of alcohol in your drink is a really useful way to keep track of your alcohol consumption and to make you more aware of how much you are drinking.



It is recommended to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread across 3 days or more.


That's around 6 medium (175ml) glasses of wine, or 6 pints of 4% beer.



There's no completely safe level of drinking, but sticking within these guidelines lowers your risk of harming your health. There are many benefits of drinking less. You could feel the difference if you reduce your alcohol intake! Many people who reduce their alcohol intake notice benefits, which can include those below.



Short-term benefits of reduced alcohol intake;



feeling better in the mornings



being less tired and more energetic



better-looking skin



saving some money



Long-term benefits of reduced alcohol intake;



lower blood pressure



lower risk of stroke, hypertension, cancer and liver disease



lower cholesterol levels



better mood, memory and quality of sleep



help with weight management



improved digestion and gut health



stronger heart health



enhanced hydration, resulting in better overall physical performance and energy levels



If you drink nearly every day, you might be more at risk of having high blood pressure. If left untreated, high blood pressure can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.




Counselling can give you the space to be honest and openly (without judgement) and explore your relationship with alcohol. A counsellor can help you decide if you need to make changes, and how you might make those changes and maintain them.


One of the most effective forms of alcohol misuse treatments is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This form of counselling tackles patterns of thinking and behaviour in an attempt to break certain emotional or psychological ties to habits.


By understanding the underlying feelings and thought processes that cause their addiction, the client can gradually learn to control the impulse to drink.


With the support and guidance of a counsellor, a person can not only come to terms with their drinking problem but understand what triggers the behaviour and learn the ways to cope in the long term.


If you are worried about your alcohol consumption, your counsellor at PCS is trained in CBT and can help you to identify the triggers for your alcohol consumption and can give you techniques to try. If you feel that you need help and support, contact Jaime confidentially to discuss this. Jaime can be contacted on jaime@personal-careservices.co.uk or by texting or phoning 07399809671.


There is also a drop in which runs each Tuesday 5pm-8pm where you can text anonymously.



Virtual Drop-in Clinic





If you are feeling a little down, worried about the current pandemic, or just looking to let off some steam; our counsellor is now providing virtual drop-in sessions every Tuesday.


Issues or concerns discussed with Jaime do not need to be work related; but could include home life, relationship, or health concerns.


We want you to be assured that the counsellor here at PCS is there to listen to you in a confidential, safe and secure space.


This service is completely confidential and free to all our Staff.



PCS (Personal Care Services) Ltd



West Lancashire Investment Centre, Maple View, White Moss Business Park, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, WN8 9TG.

Tel: 01695 553930 | Email: enquiries@personal-careservices.co.uk

CQC Registration No.: 1-102477663




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