On the family • Domestic unhappiness and uncertainty
• Separation and divorce • Financial problems On the community • Violence • Increase in road deaths • Increase in crime, e.g. public order offences, rape, homicide
• High costs of treating people for alcohol-related health problems
• Absenteeism from work, which can lead to job losses
Where to get help
Government action on alcohol
• Alcoholics Anonymous for individual • Al-Anon for partners or adult relatives • Alateen for children of problem drinkers
• It is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under 18 years and an offence to buy it for them
• It is an offence for anyone under 18 to drink alcohol in a public place
• Children are not allowed in pubs after 9 p.m. • The hours for selling alcohol in supermarkets and off- licences are restricted
Guidelines for drinking sensibly
• Drink slowly and in moderation (see recommended units below)
• Eat before or while drinking • Avoid drinking in ‘rounds’, which means having to drink as fast as others
• Never drink if you are taking medication • Do not mix alcoholic drinks • Do not drive after drinking or travel with anyone who has been drinking
• Do not pressure anyone else to drink
Further Investigation To find out more about the support available for those with problem drinkers or drug addicts in the family, visit the following websites:
