NHS Sefton have re-issued information on drinking responsibly ahead of the World Cup 2010. Plrease see below for NHS Sefton's Sensible Drinking campaign.

Sensible Drinking

For the majority of people who drink sensibly, alcohol poses little threat to their health and is used by many to aid relaxation and help them socialise. However, for those who abuse alcohol the effects can have serious, and in some cases fatal, consequences.

• Nearly 24% of people in Sefton binge drink, the sixth highest level of binge drinking in the   region
• Half of all violent crimes in Sefton are related to alcohol
• The North West has some of the highest rates of alcohol related deaths along with a growing number of alcohol related hospital admissions.

Exceeding recommended levels of alcohol on a regular basis or through binge drinking will increase your risk of developing heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure, depression and insomnia. More serious effects can include memory loss, liver and brain damage. Drinking too much can also increase your risk of becoming a victim of crime, or cause you to harm those around you.  

How much is too much?

 It is recommended men drink no more than 3 to 4 units of alcohol a day, which equals 2 pints of normal strength lager or bitter. For women the limit is 2 or 3 units a day, which could be two small glasses of wine.

 Drinking sensibly does not mean missing out on all the fun. There are simple things that you can do to make sure you stay safe and well whether you are drinking at home or planning a night out:

•        Eat before you drink

•        Drink plenty of water and before you go to sleep

•        Have a non-alcoholic drink before every alcoholic one

•        Remember too much drink will do nothing for your looks

•        Plan how you are going to get home before going out and look out for your friends

•        Have 48 hours off the booze — win or lose!

  Contacts

For help, advice and information on cutting down your drinking, speak to your GP or Pharmacist or visit the Alcohol Concern website.

 You can also get free, confidential support and advice about your own or someone else’s drinking by phoning:

  Drinkline : 0800 917 8282.

Sefton Alcohol Service : 01704 542332

For more information, please visit www.seftonpct.nhs.uk