IT’S Alcohol Awareness Week – and Warrington Borough Council wants local people to think about the relationship they have between alcohol and work.
The aim is to raise awareness and understanding of the link between alcohol and work – and to start to make positive changes to improve health, productivity and happiness.
Cabinet member for health, wellbeing and social care, Cllr Maureen McLaughlin (pictured), said “The number of deaths related to alcohol consumption in the UK has reached an all-time high, so it is really important we start to consider how much we are drinking and why.
“There are plenty of benefits to cutting down your alcohol consumption such as improved sleep, reduced risk of health problems, financial savings and being able to focus and concentrate better.”
The council says drinking alcohol can play a big part in a lot of people’s lives. Some people use alcohol in a negative way, drinking too much or often at after work drinks and networking events, or using alcohol to help them cope with work-related stress.
Using alcohol to cope with stress or anxiety might seem like it helps in the short term, but it can actually make things worse. Drinking too much can leave people feeling tired, demotivated, irritable, and more prone to mistakes the next day.
Over time, this can impact not just on work life, but also relationships, finances, and health.
When it comes to health, persistent alcohol misuse increases the risk of several serious conditions, including:
• Heart disease and stroke
• Liver disease and liver cancer
• Cancers of the bowel, mouth, and breast
• Pancreatitis
• Damage to the brain, which can affect memory and thinking
The Cheshire and Merseyside ‘Lower My Drinking App’ gives you all the help you need to reduce your alcohol intake, set personal goals, track progress and feel the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. Download the free app or visit lowermydrinking-nhs.org.uk.
Anyone who thinks they need help with drinking can reach out to CGL Pathways to Recovery, a free confidential drug and alcohol service in Warrington.
Anyone who wants to find out more about Alcohol Awareness week and the different ways to get involved should visit the Alcohol Change UK website.
