The Public Health Agency (PHA) has welcomed Alcohol Awareness Week as a crucial reminder to those who drink that alcohol is a powerful drug with serious health implications.

This year's theme, 'understanding alcohol harm', is a joint initiative by the PHA and Northern Ireland's five Drug and Alcohol Connection Services. The campaign aims to enhance public understanding of alcohol-related harm and its associated health risks. Local connection services will be actively promoting the campaign through existing programmes, clubs, and social activities within their communities. Information on local events can be found by contacting your connections service via www.drugsandalcoholni.info/contact-us.

Stephanie Hanlon, Joint Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, underscored the often-overlooked nature of alcohol. "It is easy to forget that alcohol is a powerful drug and, like any drug, it can have a significant impact on our health and wellbeing, and that of our friends and families," she stated.

Ms Hanlon highlighted the increased risk of developing serious illnesses, including heart attack, stroke, and certain cancers, with regular alcohol consumption. She also noted its negative effects on mental health.

Beyond the physical impacts, Ms Hanlon stressed the broader consequences of alcohol use. "Aside from the health impacts, we need be aware of the effect of alcohol use on those around us. It can damage relationships and affect our judgement, leading us to do things we wouldn't otherwise do and that we might regret later. This can include getting into violent situations and unplanned sexual activity." The latest statistics from 2023 reveal a concerning trend: the total number of alcohol-specific deaths registered that year reached 341, a significant 65.5% increase compared to a decade ago.

To minimise health risks, the UK Chief Medical Officers recommend not exceeding 14 units of alcohol per week.

Ms Hanlon further advised on responsible drinking habits: "If you do drink as much as 14 units per week, it is best to spread this evenly over three or more days – and avoid 'saving up' your units for a particular day or a party. 14 units are about the same as five pints of 5% strength beer, so you can see how the units can add up and you can quickly reach your limit."

For individuals concerned about their own drinking, or that of someone they know, support is readily available. "If you are concerned about your drinking, or that of someone you know, it is important to remember that support is available," Ms Hanlon concluded. "There are services in your local area to help you and also if you're a friend or family member affected by a loved one's substance use."

For more information on local services that offer help and support, visit www.drugsandalcoholni.info or call into your local pharmacy during any time throughout June and July – as part of the Living Well campaign 'know your units', community pharmacies across Northern Ireland are offering a free information leaflet, 'Focus On Alcohol', and a free unit calculator wheel to highlight the impacts of alcohol use and help you keep track of your units.

A copy of the 'Focus On Alcohol' leaflet can be found at www.pha.site/FocusOnAlcohol