Thinking about the cost of drinking this Alcohol Awareness Week
Residents are being encouraged to think about the cost of their drinking habits as the county marks Alcohol Awareness Week (3 to 9 July).
Oxfordshire County Council is joining over 4,000 community groups across the UK to raise awareness of the impact of excess alcohol consumption – from health issues to financial difficulties and relationship breakdowns.
Led by Alcohol Change UK, Alcohol Awareness Week seeks to get people thinking and talking about alcohol to motivate change at every level.
Councillor Michael O’Connor, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “Many of us drink alcohol to socialise. People sometimes also turn to alcohol to relax, relieve boredom, feelings of loneliness or to help cope with problems. The cost of living crisis has increased the stress and worry in families, which can lead people to drink alcohol as an escape.
“However, drinking too much, and too often, can cause health problems, financial issues and relationship breakdowns. There are cost implications for businesses too in lost working days and for the NHS, which has to treat the long-term health problems caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
“Alcohol Awareness Week is a chance for everyone to take time to reflect and talk about our relationship with alcohol and how we might be able to change it to save money and improve our health and wellbeing. It is also an opportunity for those who may have concerns about themselves or family to seek support.”
Drink Coach also has a free, quick and confidential alcohol test for residents to learn more about the impact that their drinking habits could be having.
Residents with concerns about their own or someone else’s drinking can get support and advice from Turning Point – a service commissioned by Oxfordshire County Council. It provides a variety of confidential treatment options for those with addiction problems at hubs across the county.
Those who would like to speak to Turning Point about alcohol or drug use can contact the service on 0300 0134 776. Find out more information about drug and alcohol services in Oxfordshire by visiting Oxfordshire County Council’s website
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