Alcohol Help

The lasting impact of drink driving is highlighted in a new THINK! campaign launched today by Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick.

The £1.6m summer campaign with new radio adverts emphasises that a drink drive conviction stays on your licence for 11 years - affecting your job prospects and serving as a constant reminder of the 12-month driving ban you received for driving while over the limit.

Jim Fitzpatrick said:

"Drink drivers put themselves and others in serious danger but getting behind the wheel after drinking can have a devastating impact on your life even if you avoid a crash. You’ll get a minimum 12-month driving ban and a large fine - and the record will stay on your licence for 11 years.

"As the weather gets warmer we all want to be out enjoying ourselves and might end up drinking when we hadn’t planned to, but that doesn’t mean we have to drive home. If you’ve had a drink use public transport or take a taxi - otherwise that quick pint might end up lasting 11 long years."

According to Suffolk’s road safety team, over the past three years
* more than 17 per cent of all recorded deaths on Suffolk’s roads were caused as a result of driver or pedestrian impediment by drink and / or drugs
* in 2005 and 2006 drivers under 30 were more likely than older drivers to be involved in an accident while under the influence of alcohol
* in 2007, total numbers of accidents while under the influence reduced by 53 per cent, but male drivers still accounted for the large majority of individuals involved who supplied positive breath tests.

The new THINK! adverts highlight just how long a drink drive conviction stays on your licence by pointing out what else you will do in the 11 years. For example:
- Your heart will beat 400,000,000 times
- You’ll breathe enough air to fill 20 hot air balloons
- You’ll eat enough potatoes to fill 6 phone boxes
- You’ll drink 36 bathtubs full of water
- You’ll climb enough stairs to ascend Mt Everest twice
- You’ll sweat enough to fill 1,612 fish tanks.

Department for Transport

More than 40 representatives from community groups in Gateshead attended an open day aimed at making more people aware of advice available to help tackle drug and alcohol misuse in the borough.

OASIS (Open Access Substance Misuse Information Service) in High Street, Gateshead, opened its doors to the community last week as part of National Tackling Drugs Week.

Jan Milner, Project Manager with NECA, which runs the OASIS project, said: "As part of National Tackling Drugs Week we decided to open up the centre and give promotion space to other drugs and alcohol agencies within the Safer Gateshead Partnership.

"We invited community groups to drop in and chat to staff about the services available in the area, targeting groups who weren’t familiar with our services with the aim of giving them information in case they come across someone who they feel can benefit from our services and refer them to us.

"We had 40 people attend the event which we were really pleased about and on arrival they were treated to a non-alcoholic cocktail while they learnt about some of services we provide which include counselling, the harm minimisation team, care support groups and the SMART young people’s group.

"All in all we felt it was a very productive day and we got some positive feedback from those who attended."

National Tackling Drugs Week aims to raise awareness of the work being undertaken by agencies such as Drug and Alcohol Action Teams, Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships, Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Police Forces, to tackle drugs and reduce drug-related crime and to highlight the significant efforts that are being made in communities across the country.

Home Office

Forth Coastguard tonight urge the public when visiting Cramond Island to be aware of crossing times, which are well signed, and to remember that the sea and alcohol Don’t Mix.

South Queensferry Coastguard Rescue Team, whilst on patrol in the Cramond area of Edinburgh spotted two persons entering the water at the island end of Cramond Island causeway in their efforts to reach the mainland. Forth Coastguard was quickly contacted and South Queensferry RNLI inshore lifeboat was requested to launch - whilst the weather was fine, there was a heavy swell and a force 5 wind and any attempt to reach the shore would have proved futile for the two casualties.

The lifeboat quickly located the casualties who were observed to be in danger of being swept away with the rough sea conditions.

The casualties were hauled from the sea and taken to a waiting ambulance where they were treated for shock and hypothermia; they were then taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary as a precaution against secondary drowning.

Simon Smart, Watch Manager at Forth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, said:

"The vigilance of the Queensferry Coastguard Rescue team proved to be a life saver for the two unfortunate walkers - indeed they were lucky that the team was in such close proximity.

The two casualties one male aged 27, and a female aged 20, were lucky to have been spotted, with life expectancy in the cold water of the Forth slim at best, especially as it turns out that both were heavily under the influence of alcohol. A foolhardy action, which could have ended in a double tragedy. It is imperative that crossing times are observed at this popular tourist area, these are posted at both ends of the causeway and of course can be obtained by telephoning Forth Coastguard - also the sea and alcohol Don’t Mix".

Maritime And Coastguard Agency

77% of people don’t know how many units in a glass of wine

A new ‘Units’ campaign which aims to tell drinkers how many units are in their drinks and help them stick to their limits was launched today by Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo.

The Know Your Limits campaign - the biggest alcohol awareness campaign to date - kicks off its units strand with a series of adverts on TV, radio, billboards and in press, depicting the number of units in individual drinks. The Units campaign has an overall budget of £6 million for 2008/09. It will be followed by a £4 million binge-drinking campaign from the Home Office next month.

The units campaign uses iconic imagery to help people understand how many units are in typical alcoholic drinks, and how to stay within the recommended daily guidelines for regular drinking of 2-3 units a day for women, and 3-4 units a day for men. The campaign will also warn people about how regularly drinking too much can damage their health.

New YouGov poll results out today show that English drinkers don’t know exactly how much they are drinking. More than four out of five (82 per cent) claim to know what a unit of alcohol is, yet 77 per cent don’t know how many units are in a typical large glass of wine.

More than half (55 per cent) of those questioned thought a large glass of wine (ABV 12 per cent) would contain two units, when it actually contains three. More than a third (35 per cent) did not know that an average pint of beer (ABV 4 per cent) contains two units, while nearly three out of five (58 per cent) did not know a double gin and tonic also contains two units.

Public Health Minister, Dawn Primarolo, said:

"Glass sizes have grown larger and the strength of many wines and beers has increased, so it’s no wonder some of us have lost track of our alcohol consumption.

"This campaign is all about helping people understand how many units are in their favourite drinks, and helping them to keep an eye on their intake for the good of their long-term health.

"Excessive alcohol consumption is proven to play a significant role in the development of numerous diseases, including several cancers, heart disease and stroke. That’s why this campaign is so important to the public’s health."

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said: "I fully welcome this public information campaign. Combined with wider action across government, this is a vital measure in tackling all forms of excessive drinking."

"In the meantime we will continue to work closely with everyone involved -government agencies and industry alike - to tackle the harm caused by excessive alcohol consumption."

Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson said:

"It is important that people are aware of how much alcohol their drinks contain, and the associated links to health harm. I welcome this initiative for the sake of everyone’s health, to improve understanding of units and encourage people to consider the effect that excess alcohol consumption has on their health."

The YouGov survey showed that while most women (64 per cent) knew that their recommended daily guidelines are 2-3 units, just half of the men surveyed knew their equivalent guidelines are 3-4 units a day.

Unit awareness also appears to get worse with age: 32 per cent of drinkers aged 18-24 correctly said that a large glass of 12 per cent ABV wine contains three units, compared to just 18 per cent of drinkers over 55. And 69 per cent of drinkers aged 18-24 correctly stated that a pint of 4 per cent ABV beer contains two units, compared to 57 per cent of drinkers over 55.

The poll revealed that more than half (52 per cent) of adult drinkers in England drink alcohol at least two to three times a week, and one in ten drinks every day.

Department of Health

It’s National Tackling Drugs & alcohol Week (19-23 May), which will give concerned Bedfordshire people the chance to find out what is being done to tackle drug & alcohol problems in the county. Two special events, in Bedford and Dunstable, are being organised by the Bedfordshire Drug & Alcohol Action Team (B:DAT) to provide a public focus and answer a range of questions.

B:DAT’s services and partners will be outside Boots in Bedford town centre on Tuesday, 20 May between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm and outside ASDA, Dunstable on Thursday, May 22 between 11.00 and 3.00 pm..

Rachel Volpe, from B:DAT, said, "The concerns of local residents are clear but they may not be aware of the valuable work that is going on in relation to drugs issues. These events will provide an opportunity to find out what is being done or for people to take up a specific issue.

"Whether the concern is around policing drug-related crime, getting treatment for a drug problem or support for those affected by someone else’s drug use, we’ll be able to offer accurate and updated information.

"We’re looking forward to talking to the public and getting their views. There will also be the chance to take part in our quiz and possibly win an I-pod", she said.

Home Office

As part of National Tackling Drugs Week, the Essex Drug and Alcohol Action Team (EDAAT) are joining forces with Essex Drug and Alcohol Partners (EDAP) to raise awareness of the work being done to tackle drugs and reduce drug and alcohol related crime.

The team will be will be visiting schools and town centres with the Community Wheels Bus and the County’s Youth Buses to encourage people to find out about the dangers of drugs, alcohol consumption and the range of help and advice that is available in Essex. There is the chance to try driving as if under the influence of alcohol or drugs using a driving simulator and beer goggles.

Clare Butler, Strategic Manger of Essex DAAT said:

"We have worked in true partnership to organise National Tackling Drugs Week events throughout Essex and raise awareness of the excellent work that is being carried out. We are collaborating with local drug and alcohol reference groups, Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships, Essex Casualty Reduction Board, Neighbourhood Policing Teams, youth workers and numerous service providers to engage with schools and the general public."

The Community Wheels Bus / Youth Buses will be at the following locations:

Monday 19 May: Basildon Town Centre (all day)

Tuesday 20 May: Market Kings Street, Saffron Walden (all day)

Wednesday 21 May: Plume School, Maldon (morning) Tesco, Clacton (afternoon)

Thursday 22 May: St Peters School Burnham (morning)

Friday 23 May: King Harold Secondary School, Waltham Abbey (all day)

Bishops Park School Clacton (all day)

There will also be members of the EDAP, handing information out and answering any questions the public may have at Chelmer Shopping Centre, Chelmsford on Monday 19 May, Eastgate Shopping Centre Basildon from 1pm on Tuesday 20 May along with the Katie Guyton School of Dancing, George Yard Shopping Centre, Braintree and Trinity Street Colchester Friday 23 May.

EDAAT and Essex Young People’s & Alcohol Service will be visiting pupils of Sawyers School, Brentwood to deliver a tailored lesson about drug and alcohol misuse on Wednesday 21 May as part of the Princes Trust.

Home Office

Portland Coastguard have been co-ordinating in the wee small hours of this morning a search for two young people who took off from a beach in a dinghy just after 3.00 am this morning with no visible means of propulsion.

A call to the Coastguard from a female, a resident of Wimborne, who was on the beach at Studland near Poole, described the two young friends of hers, a male aged 20 from Verwood and female, 18, from Horton. All three came across to the area by Sandbanks ferry earlier yesterday evening, and had taken a white wooden dinghy from Shell Bay Marine and put to sea around 40 minutes earlier than her call.

In the darkness she had lost sight and sound of them, and was clearly concerned for their safety. She described how she had been shouting for them but had had no answer.

The two Swanage lifeboats, inshore and all weather were asked to launch in the benign conditions and began searching around the south side of Studland using search lights in the darkness. The local Coastguard Rescue Team were also turned out to try and locate the first informant on the beach. It was clear through the conversations that took place that all three young people had clearly been drinking heavily.

Shortly thereafter another call came in to the Coastguard from an entirely unconnected group of lads, also on the beach but further away who identified they could hear shouting coming from seaward side. Using that information and searching in the area at around 4.00 am this morning, the all weather lifeboat crew discovered both missing individuals in the water, with one clinging to a buoy. Seemingly the dinghy had capsized and sank, pitching them both into the 11 degree Celsius water.

An ambulance was called and both people were brought ashore in a poor state with the girl slipping in and out of consciousness and taken to hospital. A Police unit also attended the scene.

The three had clearly been intent on spending sometime on the beach as the Coastguard gathered up clothing, pillows, windbreaks, etc from the beach to hand over to the Police.

Bruce Lack, Watch Manager at Portland Coastguard said

"Drink and stupidity played major parts in this incident with the two young people in serious danger of losing their lives as a result. From taking a boat with no oars to having no lifejackets or means of communication in the darkness in open sea is sheer madness fuelled by drink and bravado.

"We cannot stress enough how dangerous this kind of game can be, and that it is only at this time of year the sea is slightly warming, but not enough to put you beyond danger of severe hypothermia after prolonged immersion. The dulling of the senses by alcohol coupled with the cold shock of unexpectedly plunging into seawater can be a killer.

"We would particularly like to thank the group of Irish lads also on the beach for their public spiritedness in alerting us to the cries of help they heard."

Maritime And Coastguard Agency

What does the phrase ‘binge drinking’ mean to you? Does it make you think of large groups of giddy young women on a hen night fuelled by copious tequila shots? Or beer-swilling football fans drowning their sorrows in the aftermath of an ignominious sporting defeat?

Those examples would certainly seem to fit the mould - but in fact, binge drinking is quite difficult to define. Even the British Medical Association seems to have trouble pinning it down, but tends to use the term to refer to "heavy drinking, often with the intention of getting drunk, over an evening or similar time span", or to "the consumption of more than half the recommended maximum weekly number of alcohol units in a single night".

It’s a tricky one, admits Mat Symington, addictions therapist at Linwood Manor. "Binge drinking can mean so many different things to different people. We tend to use it to define any episode of excessive drinking that has consequences to the drinker’s health and well-being," he says.

But one thing IS clear from his years in practice, he says: the stereotypes of binge drinkers no longer apply. "As licensing laws and social habits have changed, more and more people have got caught up in drinking habits that they consider to be ‘normal’, but which in fact impair their health, careers and family lives." As a consequence, he adds, alcohol abuse is no longer confined to any particular demographic group.

"We’re seeing more and more people coming into treatment who have developed habits through the occasional episode of excessive drinking that have eventually landed them in real trouble with alcohol," he says. "They believe that their habits don’t indicate any underlying problem because they only occur now and then - such as on the odd Friday night after a particularly busy week in the office."

However, such thinking can be dangerous. Alcoholics can be either ‘top-up drinkers’ (that is, they take frequent and regular drinks) or binge drinkers - and, in fact, binge drinking can be the more dangerous form of alcoholism. That’s because binge drinking causes blood sugar levels to rise and fall rapidly, which puts enormous strain on the body and can, in some cases, lead to diabetes.

And over time, many binge drinkers find that the duration of drinking sessions and the volumes consumed rise, as do the frequency of binges, without the drinker really noticing, says Symington. For some, it eventually develops into serious alcohol addiction that can only be addressed via specialist alcohol help.

The truth is that, in the modern world, very few people are safe from the dangers of alcohol abuse and more people are becoming alcoholic, regardless of their age, sex or social class.

"Many people make the mistake of considering themselves to be somehow ‘immune’ to the risk of becoming alcoholic. But I often find that it’s the ones who say that the odd episode of binge drinking won’t affect them that we end up treating," he says.

The message is clear: binge drinking - in any of its many forms - isn’t something to be dismissed with bravado. It’s a path fraught with risk, but sadly, a well-worn one.

Linwood Manor

Alcoholism is a disease. It is chronic, meaning that a sufferer will be afflicted throughout their lifetime. It is progressive, in that it gets steadily worse. And, in many cases, it can be fatal.

And like other chronic, progressive and potentially fatal illnesses, alcoholism is not a matter of choice, says Simon Hill, addictions therapist at Linwood Manor Group. For a start, he says, there’s strong evidence to suggest that the disease may have a genetic basis, as it can often be traced back through generations of family members.

"Nobody sets out to be an alcoholic," he says. "If you’re born with a predisposition to the illness, then the best thing you can do is to learn how to manage it," he says.

So how can a potential sufferer spot the first signs of alcoholism? According to Hill, it’s not that easy. "At first, sufferers simply enjoy the way alcohol makes them feel. They may suffer from low self-esteem, for example, and discover that a drink makes them more confident in social situations. But over time - and that can be a very long period or a very short one - they come to find that they simply can’t do without it."

Another early sign is the inability to stop at just one drink. An alcoholic may justify their drinking by saying that they don’t drink very often - but when they do, they find that "just one drink" quickly develops into a binge.

As a progressive disease, signs and symptoms of alcoholism worsen over time. While in its early stages, alcoholism tends to present as an emotional dependence on drink, eventually sufferers cross the line into chemical dependency. It’s at that point, says Hill, that they will start to experience withdrawal symptoms when they don’t drink. In effect, they have to drink to feel ‘normal’.

To complicate the issue, one of the major symptoms of alcohol dependency is denial. "An alcoholic will go to extraordinary lengths to cover up their illness," he says. "Even after they’ve admitted they have a problem, they will still say that it hasn’t affected their family life, or argue they can go days or even weeks without a drink."

Because of this denial, many people only enter an alcohol rehabilitation programme after their drinking has brought on some kind of crisis: an accident; a divorce; a dismissal from work. "When we receive calls at Linwood, they’re usually from an alcoholic in a crisis situation who’s been forced to confront their problem, or from a friend or relative who’s been caught up in that crisis," says Hill.

The message is clear: if you’re worried about your drinking, take action now. The World Health Organisation has developed a ‘test’ for alcohol dependency, which is posted on the Alcoholics Anonymous UK website at:

http://www.aa-uk.org.uk/publications/areyou.htm

This may enable you to confirm a problem - but only qualified, experienced professionals will be able to tailor an alcohol rehab programme to match your condition.

Linwood Manor

Two of London’s leading substance misuse providers have announced they are in formal merger discussions. Rugby House and ARP, who together have over 60 years experience providing alcohol and drug services in the capital, will unite to form one of the largest alcohol service providers in the UK and a major presence in the provision of drug services in London.

Speaking of the merger, Paul Jenkins (Chair designate of the new organisation) said “This merger proposal provides Rugby House and ARP with a great opportunity. Combining resources and experience will enable us to strengthen and extend our highly respected services, which can only benefit service users and other stakeholders”.

The new organisation will provide alcohol and drug services to over 6,500 people a year across London with a revenue turnover of more than £11m across a range of community treatment and residential settings.

The merger discussions take place against a background of increasing public awareness and concern about the harm caused by alcohol misuse and continuing misuse of drugs.

ARP