Staffordshire’s drug and alcohol service is supporting a national campaign in Alcohol Awareness Week to help people who may have increased their drinking during the pandemic.
Andrea Meaden, Assistant Director of Services at the Staffordshire Treatment and Recovery Service, said: “The stresses and strains of lockdown and the pandemic have seen more people in England consuming more alcohol.
“Lives have been turned upside down. People have new financial worries. The people we’re seeing can feel more lonely and cut off from family and friends.”
Alcohol Awareness Week, which runs from 16th to 22nd November aims to encourage people to become aware of the health consequences of how much they are drinking. This year it has a theme of alcohol and mental health.
Andrea is encouraging local people who may be concerned about their alcohol consumption to get in touch with alcohol services.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists estimates that in June, more than 8.4 million people in England were drinking at higher-risk levels, up from 4.8 million in February 2020.
Mark Holmes, of DrinkCoach: “If you’re concerned about your drinking, you can also visit our website which has lots of additional information.”
The Staffordshire Treatment and Recovery Service is joining over 3,000 other organisations across the country to raise awareness of the link between alcohol and mental health for Alcohol Awareness Week.
For more information please contact Cliff Edwards at cliff.edwards@humankindcharity.org.uk or visit www.staffstreatmentandrecovery.co.uk/
Staffordshire Treatment and Recovery Service is an integrated drug and alcohol recovery service for Staffordshire.
