What is the true impact of drinking too much alcohol?

The average drinker in the UK spends £60 per week on alcohol, which is £3,120 per year. This doesn't even include the cost of alcohol-related health problems, such as liver disease, heart disease, and cancer.

In addition to the financial cost, drinking too much alcohol can also have a negative impact on your relationships, your job, and your overall health. If you're concerned about your drinking, the best thing to do is visit your GP practice. They can help you assess your drinking habits and develop a plan to reduce your intake.

Alcohol Awareness Week 

This year’s theme for alcohol awareness week is “Alcohol and Cost”. The total social cost of alcohol to society is estimated to be at least £21 billion each year. But the personal costs are much starker with alcohol death rates increasing to the highest rate since records began since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, and millions more people suffering from worsened mental and physical health every day because of harmful drinking. We can all take steps to make a change. And with improved support and prevention, we can save money and save lives.

P-RESET is contracted to support practices in Tower Hamlets with caring for patients with substance misuse problems, working closely with the local drug and alcohol service, RESET. If you're concerned about your drinking, the best thing to do is to visit your GP. They can help you assess your drinking habits and develop a plan to reduce your intake.

Four facts from our P-RESET team 

• Findings from Public Health England show increased alcohol consumption, particularly among heavy drinkers during the pandemic. This has likely resulted in an unprecedented rise in alcoholic liver disease deaths.
• Alcohol increases our risk of many serious health conditions including cancer, mental health problems, and liver disease. Alcohol is a causal factor in more than 60 medical conditions.
• There are an estimated 586,780 dependent drinkers in the UK, yet less than one in five are receiving treatment.
• If you are struggling, help is available. Visit your GP; P-RESET in general practices offers screening, advice, and referral to P-RESET (the local Tower Hamlets drug and alcohol service) for further support. 

Here are some tips for reducing your alcohol intake from the NHS website.

• Set a goal for yourself. How much do you want to reduce your drinking by?
• Keep track of how much you're drinking. This will help you stay on track.
• Find other ways to relax and unwind besides drinking alcohol.
• Drink slowly and savour your drinks.
• Eat before you drink.
• Choose lower-alcohol drinks.
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks.
• Take a break from drinking for a few weeks or months.

If you're struggling to reduce your drinking on your own visit your GP practice, they can help you develop a personalised plan and provide you with support.

Learn more about the P-RESET service