Essex charity highlights harm caused by alcohol
Over 10,000 deaths from alcohol-specific causes were registered in the UK in 2022, the highest number on record.
A charity in Essex is raising awareness of alcohol harm and the affect it has on people and communities.
As part of Alcohol Awareness Week (1 - 7 July), they are highlighting the ways in which excessive drinking impacts people, their families, friends, and society.
Alcohol is said to have a major effect on people’s wellbeing on a daily basis, from their quality of sleep to affecting relationships.
Each year, thousands of people experience long-term health problems as a result of the alcohol they drink or die from alcohol-related causes.
According to The Office for National Statistics, there were 10,048 deaths (16.6 per 100,000 people) from alcohol-specific causes registered in the UK in 2022, the highest number on record.
Matthew Gauden, from Open Road in Essex, says they support hundreds of people locally - but thousands more may be struggling with drinking.
He said: “I think it’s important to change the conversation around alcohol in the UK. To make sure that people feel comfortable chatting about it, it's not something I think we talk about enough in this country, especially if people feel they want to change the way they use alcohol.
“We know from statistics that there's a huge number of working days lost to alcohol-use in the UK. It impacts our mental and physical well-being. If the amount that you're drinking and your relationship with alcohol is causing you any sort of problem in your life, whether that's problems at work, problems in your relationships, health problems, you don't like the way it makes you feel any more - then you should talk to someone.
“There's a huge variety of support out there. To any young person that thinks their alcohol-use might be a problem, reach out to us. We have a fantastic young person service in Southend and Thurrock, so if you're worried about your alcohol or drug-use, contact us and we will put you in touch with the right people. They will help you with safe-use, safe reduction, a safe relationship to alcohol, give you coping mechanisms, diversionary activity.
“Also, if you're a family member and you're worried about someone’s drinking, it’s really important that you get support as well, and there is support out there for you.”
More information can be found on their website here.