AN INCREASING number of drinkers in the district are putting their health at risk.
New research shows one in four adults in Warwickshire are drinking more than the recommended weekly limit of alcohol –
recently revised to guideline limits of 14 units per week for both men and women.
And Warwick and Stratford districts have the highest proportions of increasing risk drinkers – higher than both the national and regional estimates. Increased risk is defined as drinking between 22 and 50 units of alcohol per week for men, and between 15 and 35 units of alcohol per week for women.
Following the findings, Warwickshire County Council has launched a summer campaign to target high risk drinkers.
The campaign launch saw a bar set up in Warwick’s Market Square serving a selection of non alcoholic mocktails, and a film crew captured the views of passers-by – which included “haven’t got a clue” when asked what the alcohol equivalent of a single unit was.
County health spokesman Coun Les Caborn said: “There are no safe levels of drinking alcohol, however drinking within the recommended weekly limit will ensure you remain within the low risk category.
“Reducing your alcohol intake has many benefits. Not only are you at lower risk of related illness, it can help you to lose weight and improve your mental health and well-being.
“We want people to enjoy themselves but without putting their health at risk. We’re asking people to consider swapping their alcoholic drink for an alternative – try a mocktail or simply alternate drinks with water.”
Visit youtu.be/jbz-7rW2vck to watch the film made at the campaign launch in Warwick, and www.drinkaware.co.uk/ for information on drinking safely.
