This Alcohol Awareness Week (AAW) (November 16-22), Hywel Dda University Health Board is raising awareness of alcohol issues. The theme of this year’s AAW is ‘the impact of alcohol on health and society’ and the University Health Board’s Public Health team are encouraging Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire residents to ‘Rethink the Drink’.

Alcohol is a major preventable cause of death and illness. Problem use of alcohol can cause serious social, psychological and health problems, affecting work, social and personal relationships.

Around 1,500 deaths in Wales are attributable to alcohol each year and during 2014–2015 54 per cent of referrals to substance misuse treatment services were alcohol-related.

On average 39 per cent of adults living in the Hywel Dda region have reported drinking above guidelines on at least one day in the past week, and 23 per cent have reported binge-drinking on at least one day in the past week.

Drinking in children and young people is also a concern with 17 per cent of males and 14 per cent of females aged 11–16 living in Wales drinking alcohol at least once a week; higher than is reported in Scotland, Ireland and England.

Alcohol can also have a major negative impact on our communities. Alcohol fuelled crime, domestic violence, vandalism and anti social behaviour can lead to unemployment, loss of driving licence and higher car insurance costs.

Teresa Owen, director of public health for Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Many people are not aware of the health impacts of consistently drinking over the weekly recommended limits.

“This can lead to serious health problems. It’s a lot easier than people think to develop a habit of using alcohol as a means of reducing stress or as a reward. One glass can sometimes turn into two or three and if that happens regularly you could be putting your health at risk.

“The good news is that there are lots of ways you can cut back on alcohol, without cutting it out. Look at the number of units in what you are drinking, stick to the weekly sensible guidelines and have at least two alcohol free days a week. This could really help reduce your levels of risk of having an alcohol related illness.”

If you are concerned about your level of alcohol consumption, help and advice is available from the Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline on 0808 808 2232.