Published on:
19
September 2008
From birthdays and christenings, weddings and funerals, to Christmas and our treasured Hogmanay, enjoying alcohol plays a significant part in Scotland's culture.
Alcohol is often intrinsically linked to social occasions and, for many Scots, drinking alcohol is a pleasurable and enjoyable part of a healthy lifestyle. But harm as a result of alcohol misuse is on the rise, so it's important we're all aware of how to drink safely and responsibly.
Alcohol Awareness Week 2008 aims to help people make positive choices about how, when and why they drink, by setting out a range of challenges. Each challenge consists of some easy to follow advice, and the benefits that you will feel from giving it a try. They show that through making small changes to the way you drink, you really can make a difference to your health and wellbeing.
For example, have some food before you drink. Also, drinking water regularly will help you pace yourself and keep you hydrated to reduce the risk of having a hangover. (But don't forget the best way to avoid a hangover is to stick to the sensible drinking guidelines. Men shouldn't regularly drink more than 3-4 units of alcohol a day, and women no more than 2-3).
Alternatively, why not give a lower alcohol beer a try? Who knows, you might just like it, and it could help you reduce the number of units you consume whilst still enjoying the taste. Or if your preferred tipple is wine, why not swap your large glass for a smaller one for a change? You might find it lasts just as long - and maybe you'll last better too.
It can be easy to lose track of how much you're drinking. Keeping a drinking diary is a great way to keep on top of it and you'll quickly be able to see if you're drinking within the sensible drinking guidelines or not. It will also help you see where, how and when you drink, which could give you a few ideas to help you keep your drinking within the guidelines.
Log on to www.alcoholawarenessweek.com to see all the challenges and to sign up.
The second national Alcohol Awareness Week runs from the 5th - 11th October 2008 and is a partnership between the Scottish Government and a number of other agencies including the alcohol industry, health services, the voluntary sector and the Scottish Rugby Association. Forth Valley Substance Action Team is also supporting the initiative.
As part of alcohol awareness week the Council is hosting an informal workshop within the foyer of Lime Tree House, Alloa, on Thursday 9th October from 11.30am-2pm. There will be a chance to try out 'boozy goggles' which rob wearers of their sense of balance and give them the sensation of being drunk. There will also be quizzes. All welcome.
If you are worried about your drinking there are local services that can help:
Alcohol Link - 01259 726632
Addiction Support & Counselling (Forth Valley) - 01786 450721
LADA (Family Support) - 01259 727800