Are you concerned about drinking?

If you're reading this then you're probably concerned that you or someone you know is drinking too much. Spending too much on alcohol can easily cause financial problems, but if we drink too much there can be other costs to pay – in our careers, in our relationships and with our health.

Problem drinking is drinking more than the sensible limits on a regular basis, so it's possible to be a problem drinker without being alcohol dependent. The limits set by the UK government are based on medical and scientific research. Men should consume no more than 3-4 units a day and no more than 21 units in one week. Women should consume no more than 2-3 units a day and no more than 14 units in one week. We all need at least 2 days a week without alcohol. There are no known safe limits for young people under the age of eighteen.

It's a mistake to think only alcoholics have a problem with alcohol

Alcohol problems are common so never feel that you're alone. 2 in 5 men and 1 in 7 women in Scotland drink at hazardous levels, and thousands of people – friends, family members and co-workers – are negatively affected by someone else's drinking.

If you regularly exceed the sensible limits why not try cutting down how much you drink? Cutting down benefits health, reduces stress, improves sleep, promotes weight loss and can help lift feelings of depression and anxiety. We all know how difficult it can be to break long-established habits, but change is possible – and it's easier if you're not yet alcohol dependent. If you'd like more information or some support to assist you, then help is at hand.

Are you Drinking too Much?

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has set up a confidential intervention website which incorporates self-assesment tools designed to give you a quick and accurate picture of your level of drinking and whether you're at risk of causing yourself any harm. This online process only takes about 10 minutes. Click here to visit the website.

What Next?

Robroyston Church can provide first-contact pastoral support for any issue. If you contact us by e-mail or leave a message then please indicate that you require pastoral assistance and leave a contact number along with a note of the times we can contact you. If appropriate the minister or pastoral worker can also arrange to meet with you in person.

Call Jonathan on 0141 558 2952 or send an e-mail to jonathanakeefe@aol.com.

Other Helplines and Websites

Road to Recovery 07738 277496 Terry McCutcheon comes from a background of addiction but his life was radically transformed by the grace and power of the Lord Jesus Christ. He currently works out of St George's Tron Church of Scotland in the city centre and has helped many people on the road to recovery. If you'd like Terry to contact you then please e-mail terry@thetron.org.

The Glasgow Council on Alcohol (GCA) has recently set up its "Alcohol Intervention and Support Service" (ALISS) – a new community based service that provides one-to-one support and the option of groupwork with the aim of helping people understand and manage their alcohol use. If you require additional information or support please call 0141 353 1800 and ask for Heather Campbell, your local ALISS counsellor. Alternatively, you can e-mail heather.campbell@thegca.org.uk.

Drinkline Scotland 0800 7 314 314 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained operators can offer advice and support on any alcohol concerns, and put you in touch with local services.

Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87 (6pm – 2am) is a free and confidential phoneline service for people (particularly young men) feeling down or depressed or unusually worried and needing someone to talk to.

Al-Anon is an international organisation with over 800 support groups in the UK. Al-Anon Family Groups provide support to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else’s drinking.
website: http://www.al-anonuk.org.uk

Alcohol Focus Scotland is a Scottish charity dedicated to raising awareness of, and reducing the significant health and social harm caused by, alcohol.
website: http://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk

Drinkaware is a UK charity dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of the role of alcohol in socitey.
website: http://www.drinkaware.co.uk

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