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Drinkaware response to new alcohol profiles for England

02 Sep 2010

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Responding to the Local Alcohol Profiles for England (LAPE 2010) released today by the North West Public Health Observatory, Chris Sorek, Chief Executive of alcohol awareness charity, Drinkaware, says;

 

“It’s shocking to see alcohol-related hospital admissions have increased so dramatically over the last five years - these statistics only reinforce the urgent need for us to act to tackle the harms caused by alcohol misuse.  Regardless of why someone is admitted, the root cause of why people drink to the point of needing medical treatment needs to be addressed head on.

 

“In the short term we need to tackle the cultural acceptability of drunkenness.  People need to know that it is unacceptable to get drunk and end up in hospital or as a victim or perpetrator of a crime.  In the long term, with more men dying of chronic liver disease it’s vital we act to change people’s lifelong attitudes and behaviour towards alcohol, and education has a key role. 

 

“Making sure people know the effects of regularly drinking above the daily unit guidelines* is an important starting point.  Many don’t know that what they consider to be a ‘quick drink after work’ or a ‘nightcap’ could be putting them at increased risk of liver disease, some cancers and stroke if it exceeds 2-3 units a day for women or 3-4 units for men.

 

“We won’t solve the UK’s drinking problems overnight, but providing people with tips on how to cut down and prompting them to track their units goes a long way towards triggering a shift and changing behaviour.  Encouraging people to eat a meal before drinking, pace alcoholic drinks with water and soft drinks and plan the homeward journey are also small simple steps towards a bigger change.  People can find out how much they’re drinking by using the unit calculator at www.drinkaware.co.uk“

 

Ends

 

Notes to Editors:

  • *Drinkaware advises men to stay within the recommended guidelines of 3-4 units of alcohol per day (equivalent of a pint and a half of lager) and women to stay within 2-3 units per day (equivalent of a 175ml glass of wine).
  • Drinkaware provides consumers with information to make informed decisions about the effects of alcohol on their lives and lifestyles. Our public education programmes, grants, expert information, and resources help create awareness and effect positive change. An independent charity established in 2007, Drinkaware works alongside the medical profession, the alcohol industry and government to achieve its goals.  For further information visit www.drinkaware.co.uk 
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