Staying Aware of Alcohol’s Impact

19 May 2012

Most adults enjoy a bit of a drink every now and then - but next time you settle in for an evening with a glass of wine, spare a thought for those whose lives are torn apart by alcohol abuse.

The 18th-24th October, is Alcohol Awareness Week and this year it is focusing on the damage alcohol can do to children and families.

DAWN Advice handles hundreds of cases involving families that have been devastated by a variety of factors - but one of the most common is, unfortunately, alcohol abuse.

The price you pay for a heavy drinking session can often be more than just a terrible hangover the following morning - accidents, injuries, assaults, alcohol poisoning and long-term health problems are just some of the possible repercussions.

For some others, the repercussions are worse. A lot of the debt issues we advise people on, for example, are related to alcohol - people often find themselves in money trouble if they have a drinking problem.

Arguably the worst-case scenario, however, is domestic abuse. This is a small minority but the damage can be huge.

Of course, we're not trying to stop anyone from having a good time and millions of people in the UK are capable of managing their alcohol intake responsibly. However, its effects as a drug means that it can tend to bring out the worst in people.

Alcohol is a real leveller - many people are affected badly, from all walks of life, and there is no pattern to dictate who will find their behaviour changes for the worse. For example, a Government study released earlier this year showed that professionals tend to drink more than manual workers.

One of the areas that DAWN Advice is sadly called upon to deal with occasionally is domestic abuse - which is frequently linked to alcohol abuse.

We have a strong partnership with the Women's Health Advice Centre and frequently refer domestic abuse victims there for specialised and focused support and advice.

Through our partnership, we can provide free and confidential legal support to protect women from abusive partners, while the Women's Health Advice Centre will offer invaluable counselling and emotional support.

Whether it is the first time a woman has experienced such behaviour from her partner or if this has become a horrendous ordeal which takes place on a regular basis, women must not suffer in silence. 

Domestic abuse can take many forms, ranging from physical and sexual to economical and emotional abuse.

However, many delay in asking for help because they hope it won't happen again or are scared of the repercussions - whether they be emotional, financial or physical -  but speaking up is the first step in helping to change the situation.

This Alcohol Awareness Week, my one plea to everyone in Northumberland would be that if they have any concerns, whether it's about their own situation, a friend or a family member, to please seek advice straight away.

Northumberland residents can contact DAWN Advice for support and advice on a range of issues, including domestic violence and alcohol abuse free on 01670 785 512.