Most people are able to enjoy having a drink quite sensibly. For some, however, it can cause problems. Getting drunk can make you more vulnerable and because alcohol lowers your inhibitions and it can make you act out of character.
Alcohol
Drinkaware at www.drinkaware.co.uk provides information on the effects of alcohol on your life. The unit calculator can help you work out how much alcohol you drank last night and you can set up a drinks diary to track your drinking over time.
Below are some guidelines you should follow to avoid getting drunk:
Don’t mix your drinks
Don’t drink on an empty stomach
Drink slowly and space your drinks
Try to avoid binge drinking
Drink water or soft drinks between alcoholic ones
NEVER drink and drive
Drink plenty of water before going to bed
Do not drink if you are on medication. It may have unpleasant side effects
If a friend becomes unconscious through drinking too much, dial 999 for and stay with them until help arrives
Alcohol and Drug Misuse
Services for people who have serious alcohol problems are provided through health services, the County Council and voluntary organisations. The Hertfordshire Drug and Alcohol recovery Services offer a pathway to recovery for adults challenged by the sue of drugs or alcohol. They provide a range of support, treatment and rehabilitation services, designed to meet the individual's needs and support the family and friends of the service users. The service is free, confidential and available to anyone aged over 18 who lives in Hertfordshire. Details of the St Albans hub are below:
Vickers House
222 London Road
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL1 1PB
Telephone: 01727 847277
Fax: 01727 730928
Email:glenda.lee@cri.org.uk
Web:cri.org.uk/herts
Drinkline 0800 917 8282 - this national helpline offers the following services to callers:
- Information and self help materials
- Help to callers who are worried about their own drinking
- Support to family and friends of people who are drinking
- Advice to callers on where to go for more help