"Just be kind and compassionate": Suffolk recovery service advice around alcohol at Christmas
They're encouraging people to reach out to those struggling
Last updated 1st Dec 2023
A service which helps people with substance abuse issues in Suffolk is calling for people to be kind and considerate this Christmas.
It comes after a report by Drinkaware found more than half of UK drinkers feel their country has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
One in ten drinkers felt they personally have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, according to the annual Drinkaware Monitor.
Concern is most likely to be for a friend's drinking, with 36% of those with a concern indicating it relates to a friend, rising to 44% among men.
Although many drinkers believe their country as a whole has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, when asked about their own or, family and friends, only one in ten felt it was a problem.
While one in five UK drinkers said they drank more than the UK Chief Medical Officers guidelines of 14 units per week.
The Christmas Holiday can be a stressful time for those coping with alcoholism, with a surge in alchol advertising and consumption.
It can create pressure for those who've struggled with the amount they drink.
Nick Mallard works for Turning Point, an addiction recovery service based in Suffolk.
"I'd like to think that we can keep things moving in the right direction with regards to conversations around alcohol...talking about if we're struggling with alcohol as well."
He's urging friends and family to speak to each other about drinking issues "to start the process of admit they have a problem."
"Just be kind and compassionate to those around us. If it looks like they might be drinking too much or they might be struggling - be there for them.
"We'll see what comes back from the person because ...If they feel that there's somebody there to listen, there's possibly more chance that they're going to say more about it."