Ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals during the summer season involves promoting sensible drinking habits and decision-making. The Outer Hebrides Alcohol & Drug Partnership (OH-ADT) emphasizes the importance of these considerations.Ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals during the summer season involves promoting sensible drinking habits and decision-making. The Outer Hebrides Alcohol & Drug Partnership (OH-ADT) emphasizes the importance of these considerations. In Scotland, statistics show that one in four individuals indulge in potentially harmful levels of alcohol consumption. In 2022, 1,276 deaths were attributed to alcohol-related causes, representing a 2% increase compared to the previous year. These fatalities include 440 women and 836 men. In light of these figures, OH-ADT advises against succumbing to peer pressure and engaging in excessive alcohol consumption during social gatherings such as outdoor activities, camping, and festivals. While initial alcohol intake may induce feelings of relaxation and improved mood due to increased dopamine levels, prolonged consumption can lead to negative emotions like anger, stress, and anxiety. Additionally, hangovers resulting from dehydration can cause discomfort the following day. OH-ADT highlights the risks associated with excessive alcohol intake, which extend beyond physical health to encompass emotional well-being. Consuming more than 14 units of alcohol per week increases the likelihood of developing certain types of head and neck cancers. Heavy drinking can also contribute to high blood pressure, stroke, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Alcohol impairs judgment and has been linked to unsafe sexual behavior, increasing the risk of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Relationships with family and loved ones can suffer as a result of neglect and tensions. To navigate the summer season responsibly, OH-ADT advises individuals to prioritize alcohol-free days, consider low- or non-alcoholic options, and opt for smaller portions of wine or spirits while maintaining adequate hydration and pacing themselves. The Alcohol Change UK “Try Dry” app can be utilized to monitor mood, sleep, and energy levels while tracking drinking patterns, units consumed, and dry days. Individuals who feel their alcohol consumption is becoming problematic are encouraged to consult with their GP. OH-ADT also provides information on alcohol and drug services available within the Outer Hebrides through their website, www.outerhebadp.com. By adopting more mindful alcohol consumption habits, individuals can contribute to creating a healthier and more vibrant community.
Ensure everyone stays safe and enjoys the summer season by considering information about sensible drinking and making the right choices – that’s the plan from the Outer Hebrides Alcohol & Drug Partnership.
OH-ADT says that across Scotland, one in four people drink at potentially harmful levels, with 1,276 alcohol-specific deaths in 2022 (where alcohol was the underlying cause of death). This is an increase of 2% (31 deaths) compared to 2021. Of those deaths in 2022, 440 were women and 836 were men.
They say: “Summer can be a busy time with invitations to outdoor activities, camping, beach parties, festivals etc. It can be difficult to make an informed choice about whether to drink or not, when your peers may encourage you to join in. to do.
“Having a few drinks can make you feel relaxed and improve your mood because dopamine levels in the brain increase. However, alcohol is a depressant, so it only has a short-term effect on the brain.
“Continuing to drink can replace that happy mood with more negative thoughts that can leave you angry, stressed and anxious. Not to mention the hangover from dehydration can leave you feeling terrible the next day.
“All of this can have a major impact on an individual’s health and wellbeing. The health risks increase if you consume more than 14 units per week. There is a greater risk of developing certain head and neck cancers.
“Heavy drinking can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of stroke, cirrhosis and liver failure. Alcohol can also cloud a person’s judgment and is linked to casual and unsafe sex that can lead to pregnancy and STDs.
“Relationships with family members can suffer. They may have to deal with tensions at home and neglect from family members and children.”
Alcohol doesn’t have to be the key factor in all of this. There are options and choices you can make. You should have at least three alcohol-free days a week. Consider switching to low-alcohol or no-alcohol options, which are more widely available. Choose a smaller amount of wine or spirits and make sure you stay hydrated and, most importantly, pace yourself.
You can download the Alcohol Change UK ‘Try Dry’ app Interactive tools | Alcohol Change UK which tracks your mood, sleep, energy levels and includes a diary where you can make notes and keep track of your drinking patterns, the number of units and your dry days.
If you feel that your drinking is becoming a problem for you, talk to your GP. You can also find information about alcohol and drug services available in the Outer Hebrides on our website – www.outerhebadp.com
Let’s change our relationship with alcohol and make ourselves and our community a better, healthier place.
