Alcohol

Most people are able to enjoy having a drink quite sensibly. For some, however, it can cause problems.

Getting drunk can make your more vulnerable. Alcohol can lower your inhibitions and make you act out of character, so you may end up doing something you regret. Heavy and frequent drinking can lead to dependency

Below are some guidelines you should follow to avoid such problems:

• Don’t mix your drinks
• Don’t drink on an empty stomach
• Drink slowly and space your drinks
• Try to avoid binge drinking
• Drink water or soft drinks between alcoholic ones
• NEVER drink and drive
• Drink plenty of water before going to bed
• Do not drink if you are on medication. It may have unpleasant side effects
• If a friend becomes unconscious through drinking too much, dial 999 for and stay with them until help arrives

For more information on sensible drinking go to http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAndSocialCareTopics/AlcoholMisuse/fs/en

Alcohol Use

Services for people who have alcohol problems are provided through health services, the County Council and voluntary organisations.

Community alcohol teams who are based locally, specialist health services staff and social workers provide medical, health and care advice and support. The County Council provides information about alcohol addiction support and counselling.

HEALTH PROMOTION HERTFORDSHIRE

This website provides a range of information on health improvement, local statistics and signposting to local health services and partnership agencies. The online resources catalogue and booking facility includes health information leaflets, posters and interactive resources for use in areas that educate and inform the public.
www.hpherts.nhs.uk

HAPAS (Hertfordshire Alcohol Problem Advisory Service) offers help and advice with alcohol related problems. They can be contacted on 01727 827677.
Or visit the following webpage: http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/.

Turning Point Hertsreach St Albans - Provides advice, information and support, structured day programmes, one-to-one keyworking, a counselling service, DTTO/DRR/ATR provision, a friends and family support group, needle exchange and complementary therapies.

Turning Point Hertsreach St Albans
Vickers House
222 London Road
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL1 1PN

TEL: 01727 893 344
FAX: 01727 842 919
EMAIL: hertsreachstalbans@turning-point.co.uk
WEB: www.turning-point.co.uk

Drinkline 0800 917 8282

This national helpline offfers the following services:

• Information and self-help materials
• Help to callers worried about their own drinking
• Support to the family and friends of people who are drinking
• Advice to callers on where to go for help

Drinkline is confidential and no names need be given. Callers have the option of listening to recorded information about alcohol or talking to an adviser.

Drinkaware – www.drinkaware.co.uk

Drinkaware provides information to make informed decisions about the effects of alcohol on their lives and lifestyles. Drinkaware's unit calculator can help you work out how much alcohol you drank last night and then enables you to register to set up a drinks diary and track your drinking over time.