July 3-9 is Alcohol Awareness Week

Alcohol Awareness Week aims to educate people about the dangers and effects of excessive alcohol consumption, and encourage responsible drinking habits.

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to several health and social problems, including:

• Increased risk of liver disease, pancreatitis, cancer, heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.
• Impaired judgment, reaction time and coordination leading to accidents, assaults and drowning.
• Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
• Increased risk of addiction and alcoholism.
• Increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
• Strained relationships and job loss.
• Increased crime and violence.
• Damage to the developing brain in teenagers and foetuses during pregnancy.

Responsible drinking habits include:

• Setting limits on the amount of alcohol consumed.
• Not drinking and driving or operating heavy machinery.
• Drinking water or non-alcoholic beverages between alcoholic drinks.
• Eating before and while drinking to slow down alcohol absorption.
• Avoiding excessive or rapid drinking.
• Recognizing and avoiding risky situations (e.g. drinking with strangers).
• Seeking help if experiencing problems related to alcohol.