According to Alcohol Change UK, there is an estimate of 602,391 dependant drinkers however, only 18% are receiving treatment. Alcohol misuse is also currently the highest risk factor for death, disability or ill health amongst 15-49 year olds in the UK. Forward Leeds are a partnership based across Leeds, commissioned by Leeds city council, who support all ages in making the right choices regarding alcohol and drugs and they have been working hard to spread awareness and provide help during alcohol awareness week.
Alcohol and drug use is extremely prevalent amongst students in the UK, a massive 85% of students agree that drinking excessively is a huge part of university culture whereas as roughly 20% meet the criteria for having an alcohol use disorder according to the alcohol rehab guide. A freshman student at Leeds Beckett University who wishes to remain anonymous revealed that her and her friends will partake in a binge drinking session at least 3 times a week. Despite her alcohol consumption only taking place during social occasions, she admitted that she wouldn’t enjoy a night out without it.
“Our chosen theme this year for alcohol awareness week is alcohol and relationships and how we can support dependant alcohol users in maintaining and fixing their relationships with people” Mark Hindwel, the media spokesperson for Forward Leeds explains, “we had a stall set up on both Leeds Beckett campuses where we informed students about the risks of binge drinking and alcoholism and offered them the opportunity to speak out and get advise for themselves or anyone in their lives who they’re concerned about.”
Forward Leeds have also been producing videos all week of recovering alcoholics telling their stories and giving advise for recovery in order to support other addicts in getting better and rebuilding relationships.
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