Alcohol Awareness Week will take place from 16 to 22 November. The theme this year is ‘alcohol and mental health’.
Around one in four people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year and drinking too much or too often can increase the risk. Drinking can mask or enhance underlying mental health problems – such as anxiety and depression – and prevent them from being properly addressed.
Yet many people are unaware of the link between alcohol and poor mental health and it’s often the first thing people turn to when they’re feeling low, stressed, worried or unable to cope. According to a survey by Alcohol Change UK, of those who drank more heavily during lockdown (nine plus units on each drinking day), 40% had drunk as a response to stress or anxiety.
In Derby and Derbyshire, there are a number of services that can provide comprehensive support to both adults and young people experiencing issues with alcohol and drugs.
In Derby:
- Derby Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service– for those aged 18 and over. Tel: 0300 790 0265
- Breakout – the young person’s drug and alcohol service for Derby, for those aged under 18. Tel: 01332 641661
In Derbyshire county:
- Derbyshire Recovery Partnership – for those aged 18 and over. Tel: 0124 620 6514
- Derbyshire CGL – for young people. Tel: 01773 303646
Individuals across the city and county who want to talk to someone because they are struggling with the impact of alcohol and drugs on their mental health and wellbeing can also contact the mental health support line on 0800 028 0077. This is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support Derbyshire residents of all ages.
NHS Derbyshire Healthcare Trust has also compiled contacts, information and guidance for those who may be facing a mental health problems to access quickly.
If you know someone who might benefit from the support of one of these services, please share the contact details with them.