Alcohol – Self Care

Alcohol is a legal drug and due to this fact perceptions of the dangers of alcohol are often underestimated. Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to a range of conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver, alcohol poisoning, inability to socialise or work and can lead to destructive behaviours such as violence or drink-driving. Due to the high calorie content of alcohol and the types of food eaten with or after consumption, another outcome of excessive consumption can be obesity.

Tips on cutting down

Limits	Before you start drinking, set a limit.
Budget	Only take a small amount of money out to spend on alcohol.
Friends	Let your friends know your cutting down and get them to support you.
Time	Small reductions each day add up over time.
Size	Smaller is better, opt for bottled beer or pour smaller measures when at home.
Strength	Go for the beer or wine with a lower strength (ABV %)
Hydration	Quench your thirst with soft drinks before you start drinking. Break up alcoholic drinks with soft drinks in-between.
Have a day off	Try to have the odd day without an alcoholic drink
Have a month off	Take part in a Dryathalon (no alcohol during January)

Watch your waist

It is important to be aware of the calorific content of alcoholic beverages. A pint of beer can be more calorific than a packet of crisps. Drinkaware offer a tool to calculate how many units and how many calories a drinking session could include. If you have a BMI of 30 or more you can get a referral from your GP to the local Slimming world service (free of charge).

If you are looking to lose and/or manage your weight Slimming World can help you to maintain a balanced and nutritional diet and reach and stay at a healthy weight by providing weekly local weight loss support groups.

If you meet set criteria then you may be eligible for a free referral to Slimming World. Referrals are made via Bracknell Forest GP practices, stop smoking service and children centres. This will enable you to access a free 12-week course to Slimming World if the programme criteria are met. For further information please email public.health@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

If you feel that drinking is a problem for you there is local help in the form of the Drug and Alcohol action team (DAAT). The service is free, confidential and is located at the ‘New Hope’ building in Bracknell Town Centre.

Support for children of alcoholics

NACOA – The National Association For Children Of Alcoholics
ADFAM – Supporting families affected by drugs and alcohol
Al-Anon – For families and friends of alcoholics