PUBLIC health bosses are backing an annual awareness campaign that encourages people to consider their drinking habits.
Alcohol Awareness Week runs from Monday, July 7 to Sunday, July 13, and this year focusses on the link between alcohol and work.
With an estimated 5,277 dependent drinkers living in East Sussex, East Sussex Public Health are using the week to encourage anyone who has concerns about their drinking habits to look for support.
Darrell Gale, Director of Public Health at East Sussex County Council, said: “Long hours, stress, and the blurred lines between home and work as more people work flexibly can lead to unhealthy drinking habits.
“As well as being the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health and disability among 15 to 49 year olds in the UK, alcohol misuse impacts on relationships and the ability to work.
“Cutting back on drinking, even a little, can have a significant impact on our health and wellbeing, and productivity.”
He added: “There is support available for anyone who is concerned about their drinking habits through One You East Sussex and help for those who worry that they have become dependent on alcohol through Change, Grow, Live, and I would encourage people to consider their relationship with alcohol and access the support available.”
Adults should not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week – equivalent to six pints of 2.3 per cent strength beer or 6 medium glasses (175ml) of 13 per cent strength wine. An estimated 32 per cent of males and 15 per cent of females in East Sussex drink more.
Figures from 2023 show that East Sussex experienced the highest number of alcohol-specific deaths in ten years.
By visiting Drink less | One You East Sussex residents can find out more about drinking less and check their own risk level by taking a drinking check survey. They can also access support from experienced health coaches.
Residents who think they may be alcohol dependent can find out more information and access support by visiting https://www.changegrowlive.org/
Both services are funded for residents by East Sussex County Council .
To find out more about Alcohol Awareness Week, visit Alcohol Awareness Week | Alcohol Change UK
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