Tot-up the booze with drink diary

OLDHAMERS are being urged to watch the amount of booze they’re knocking back to help combat health problems.

This week is Alcohol Awareness Week and Oldham Drug and Alcohol Action Team want Chronicle readers to keep a drink diary to check how much they’re consuming.

Richard Kubilius has recently been appointed alcohol co-ordinator and will be keeping his own drink diary.

He said: “It is very easy to not realise how much you are drinking, especially when drinking at home, those units creep up, and before you know it you’re over the low-risk guidelines.

“That is why I am encouraging all readers of the Chronicle who drink alcohol to complete a drink diary. I will be doing the same and I will post my results on the DAAT website www.oldhamdaat.org.uk at the end of the week.”

For those who discover they are drinking too much, simple tips to try include:

Get hydrated. If you do drink, try alternating your drinks so that you have water or juice in between the alcohol. Keeping yourself hydrated will leave you feeling a whole lot better.

Habit forming. If you associate a certain activity, such as watching TV with a drink, listen to your favourite album instead, or cook yourself a nicer meal with the money saved from the wine.

Try something new. Tackle the link in your mind between alcohol and relaxation. If you reach for a pint after a day’s work, try having a steaming bath, going for a swift walk or a yoga class.

Get money wise. With your drink diary in hand, tot up how much money you have spent on alcohol in the previous week or month. Work out how much you could save by cutting back and choose a gift for yourself as an incentive.

Slow down. Recognise when you’re drinking too quickly. Sometimes you might just be thirsty rather than really wanting an alcoholic drink. Down some water first and see if you still want that pint. Book an appointment with a Brief Interventions Workers at ADS on 0161-624 9595.


Alcohol: know your limits

Greater Manchester Police has called time on drunks trying to get more to drink with a Think Safe, Drink Safe campaign.

It was launched as part of Alcohol Awareness Week to make sure that people who were clearly intoxicated were not being plied with more alcohol.

Information has been going out to bars, pubs and clubs across Greater Manchester to let them know that police will be ensuring this law is adhered to in the run-up to Christmas.

Licensees have been trained to show bar staff about what to look for if a person is drunk.
Supt Jim Liggett said: “This campaign has been launched across the force to make sure that both bar staff and the public are aware of the licensing laws around being served alcohol.

“There has to be an element of responsibility on both sides and it is important that we enforce these laws in an attempt to drive down alcohol-related crime.

“Our message is simple — go out and enjoy yourself, but do it responsibly and think about the amount of alcohol you are drinking to ensure you do not leave yourself vulnerable to being a victim, or even an offender of alcohol-related crime.”