Alcohol is a part of many of our lives. We use it for celebration, for comfort, to socialise, to wind down and to cope. We treat it differently to other drugs; it’s legal, socially acceptable and even encouraged.
Yet in the UK one person every hour dies as a result of alcohol.
The harm doesn’t end with the individual; each of us who drinks too much is part of a family and a community who feel the effects too, whether through frequent use of emergency services, drink driving, violence or neglect.
Alcohol care team (ACT) at South Tees
The alcohol care team (ACT) at South Tees is available 8am to 8pm seven days a week.
Based next to the emergency department at James Cook, the team launched in 2023 to identify, assess and engage with patients and staff members with alcohol issues, be it a primary or secondary issue.
ACT can be contacted for information or support on 07769 932703 or extension 52678.
DrinkCoach
DrinkCoach is an integrated online pathway designed to identify at-risk drinkers and help build a clear and robust pathway for alcohol early intervention and treatment.
You can take the alcohol test to find out how risky your drinking really is. It is free, quick and confidential.
Want to change the way you drink? Start tracking your units
Get the free app from Drinkaware. You can track your alcohol consumption, calculate units and calories and set goals to help you moderate your drinking.
The risk of drinking too much
New evidence around the health harms from regular drinking has emerged in recent years.
There is now a clearer understanding of how drinking relates to various illnesses, including several types of cancer.
To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level if you drink most weeks:
- Men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis
- Spread your drinking over three or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week
- If you want to cut down, try to have several drink-free days each week
Drinking less than 14 units per week is considered low-risk. However, it’s important to note that this is called “low risk” rather than “safe,” as no level of alcohol consumption can be deemed entirely safe.
The type of illnesses you can develop after 10 to 20 years of regularly drinking more than 14 units a week include:
- Mouth cancer, throat cancer and breast cancer
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Brain damage
- Damage to the nervous system
Additionally, evidence suggests that frequent high-level drinking can negatively impact mental health. Strong links have been found between alcohol misuse and issues such as self-harm and suicide.
The effects of alcohol on your health will depend on how much you drink. The less you drink, the lower the health risks.
Useful local contacts
We are with you (Redcar and Cleveland)
- Tel: 0300 303 3781
Accessing Change Together (Middlesbrough)
- Tel: 01642 726 800
- Email: [email protected]
CGL – Stockton Recovery Service
- Tel: 01642 673 888