The drive to make people think about their drinking

And for most people it will continue to be that. But for some, regular drinking could become harmful, paving the way for future health problems.

There is increasing concern that people are drinking more than the recommended amount of alcohol for regular drinking without realising it, or registering the impact it could have on their health.

It is estimated that, across the Bradford district, there are 92,000 ‘hazardous’ drinkers and, of those, 17,000 are ‘harmful’ drinkers, actively damaging their health through alcohol.

People are being urged to think about their drinking during Alcohol Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday.

There is anecdotal evidence that many couples are sharing a bottle of wine in the evening on a regular basis, an amount above the recommended guidelines. Even for two men, the average 13 per cent ABV bottle of wine accounts for ten units, which is comfortably above the advised limits.

Regular consumption of alcohol over the recommended limit could leave people at risk of serious conditions such as liver disease, high blood pressure and other heart problems, as well as many cancers including cancer of the liver, breast, stomach, colon, rectum and pancreas. Cancer of the larynx (voice box) and the oesophagus (food pipe) can also result.

“People are not always aware of the link between alcohol and cancer,” says Dr Andrew O’Shaughnessy, consultant in public health with Bradford Council. “For instance, people associate lung cancer with smoking but, as with a number of cancers, there are epidemiological studies linking them to alcohol.”

In Western Europe, a significant proportion of cancer diagnoses can be attributed to alcohol consumption.

Psychological effects can include high levels of anxiety and depression, sleeplessness and suicidal feelings.

For the past year, a student from the University of York has been working with nurses from Bradford Royal Infirmary, focusing on patients who have been admitted. The results are being collated, and will help with future care.

During last year’s Alcohol Awareness Week, Bradford and Airedale’s new NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups pledged to make tackling alcohol abuse a priority, announcing that they would invest in more specialist nurse and support staff.

Since then, a series of initiatives have been introduced in the Bradford district. Specialist nurses have been introduced at BRI and Airedale Hospital to advise those who may be putting their health at risk by drinking too much.

Specialist alcohol workers have also been placed in doctors’ surgeries. “If a GP sees someone with an alcohol problem they can see someone within the practice who works specifically with that,” says Dr O’Shaughnessy. “Hopefully this will help to reduce problems in the future and prevent progression to more dangerous illnesses. It is good news for Bradford.”

Harmful drinking – more than twice the recommended limit – is also most prevalent in the 45 to 54 year ago group.

Community detoxing, helping people to reduce their alcohol intake through lifestyle changes, and avoiding hospital, is also taking place. “We want to reduce admissions to hospital, and do more work within the community and home,” says Dr O’Shaughnessy, who has researched the area of alcohol misuse, its effects and treatment.

Hilary McMullen, lead commissioner for alcohol treatment services with Bradford Council, says specialist nurses enable people to get appropriate treatment more quickly.

“People are sometimes admitted to hospital with complaints that appear to be unrelated to alcohol but further investigations reveal that they have a problem with drinking. A nurse will assess them and plug them into the right services.”

Doctors’ surgeries may form partnerships to hold specialist sessions, to maximise the reach of the service.

“We are trying to raise awareness of people who are perhaps drinking more than they should,” adds Hilary. “We appreciate that people enjoy a drink, but it is important to do so in moderation.”

The Government advises that people should not regularly drink more than three to four units of alcohol a day for men and between two and three units for women on most days of the week. It is also advised that you don’t drink at all during two days of the week.

“We ask people to think about their own drinking,” says Hilary. “Have they ever worried that they may be drinking a little too much too often? Or has anyone else ever expressed concern?”

Events this week include regular broadcasts on BCB radio, special displays in hospitals, a health bus in Manningham and a pop-up shop in Keighley.

For helpful information, visit NHS Choices at nhs.uk