South East London NHS and partners are raising awareness of the true cost of drink during Alcohol Awareness Week

The NHS South East London Integrated Care System (SEL ICS) is encouraging people to get involved in the week by talking about how much alcohol costs us in the form of health problems, financial worries, relationship breakdown and family difficulties. You can share your experiences using the hashtag #AlcoholAwarenessWeek.

During the week Alcohol Change UK will be sharing tips on what to do if you think you are drinking too much alcohol, how to have a conversation with a friend or family member about their drinking and how to get support if you are affected by a loved one’s drinking.

Campaigners are also set to highlight the cost of alcohol to wider society – including the NHS, the police and workplaces.

Dr Jonty Heaversedge, Joint Medical Director with the SEL ICS, said: “The average UK adult spends a huge amount of money on alcohol in a lifetime. In these tough times this may contribute to the financial stress many people are experiencing and, while it can bring us short-term pleasure, it is easy to ‘overdo it’, putting our health, relationships and safety at risk.

“This can damage our own physical and mental health and the wellbeing of those around us.

“Drinking regularly or heavily puts us at greater risk of heart disease, liver disease, stroke, increased blood pressure and cancer – particularly throat cancer and breast cancer. It can cause tensions and disagreements with those around us and put a strain on our finances too.

“By taking control of our drinking, we can save money, improve our health, have more energy, improve our memory, have better sleep, reduce anxiety, improve our mood, and have better relationships.”

Use the interactive tools by Alcohol Change UK to check your drinking and find out more about alcohol.

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