Tackling Scotland’s Alcohol Epidemic

Alcohol is a highly addictive substance, which results in many people around the UK developing alcoholism. It is often the case that people do not take this issue seriously, continuing to drink significant amounts of alcohol in disregard for the recommended guidelines. These guidelines are set specifically to minimise the potential risks of an individual developing any alcohol-related illnesses such as cancer. However, many people will drink more than their weekly recommended units in just one sitting, which is causing widespread concern, especially for NHS Scotland. Scotland has one of the highest rates of liver disease in the world due to the amounts of alcohol being consumed in that country; this is a growing cause of concern.

Know the Risks

The theme of this year’s annual Alcohol Awareness Week is “Know the Risks”. NHS Scotland wants people to know the new recommended weekly guidelines; no more than fourteen units of alcohol for both men and women. Nevertheless, data from the Scottish Health Survey 2012-2015 has shown that males across Scotland are more likely to consume alcohol at hazardous levels compared to females.

Huge Damage

Alcohol is more widely available than ever before and in concert with its low pricing, people are consuming larger quantities at home; this is what has spurred the NHS’ campaign. A spokesperson for the campaign said, “A lot of people are drinking to harmful levels at home in the evening or over dinner. They are causing huge damage to their bodies. Scotland’s relationship with alcohol led to us having one of the fastest growing rates of liver disease in the world. We advise people not to exceed recommended government guidelines “the maximum weekly intake of alcohol is 14 units for both men and women. It would be beneficial for everyone who consumes alcohol at home to use an alcohol unit measure to keep an eye on their intake.”

Tragic

NHS Scotland’s director of public health science Dr Andrew Fraser explained, “It is tragic that an average of 22 people in Scotland dies each week because of alcohol. Minimum pricing targets the cheap, high-strength alcohol favoured by heavier drinkers. There is compelling evidence that it will not only save lives and cut hospital admissions in Scotland but it will also help to tackle the country’s alcohol-related health inequalities.”

The Best Approach is None

Nonetheless, the health part of the equation is just one aspect of the larger picture; drink driving is also a major headache. Addressing the issue of drink driving, head of Police Scotland’s road policing unit chief superintendent Andy Edmonston said, “If you choose to drink and drive, or drive while unfit due to drugs, there is a high likelihood you will be caught. Even if you’re just over the limit, you’re still a drink driver in the eyes of the law “there is no grey area. Our message is simple “the best approach is none.”

Tackling an Alcohol Addiction

If you are concerned that you or a loved one is suffering from an alcohol addiction and are unsure of how to tackle the issue, contact us here at Blue Skies Recovery. If you choose us for your treatment and recovery, we will ensure that you or your loved one will feel comfortable and safe in our clinic. We will do everything in our power to make sure that you or they overcome their addiction.

We tailor all our treatments to suit the specific needs of the individual as we know that the one-size-fits-all approach to treatment is no longer an option. As well as this, the individual can also rest assured that anything they choose to tell us will be completely confidential. If you have any queries or require any further information, do not hesitate to contact us today and we would be more than happy to assist you.

Source:

  1. Falkirk drinkers putting their lives at risk (Falkirk Herald)
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