Booze devastates lives, figures show

In 2010, 62 people in Kirklees died as a result of alcohol related conditions, according to the Department of Health.

Across Yorkshire that year, 673 people died from illnesses such as chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and alcohol poisoning – equivalent to two people dying every day.

Deaths where drinking is an indirect cause such as road traffic accidents were not included in the figure.

This spring, the government is set to unveil a brand new strategy to tackle alcohol abuse and drink-related deaths.

Plans include the minimum pricing of alcohol per unit to prevent problem drinkers taking advantage of cheap supermarket booze, where discount drinks can lead to people consuming more than the recommended daily limits.

People who feel they drink too much or cannot control their alcohol intake should tell their GP, who can then refer them to community-based support groups or one on-one counselling.

Alternatively, Alcoholics Anonymous groups offer free support via their 12 step programme, which helps those who abuse alcohol to cut it out of their lives completely.

The NHS also offers tips to cut down gradually, including setting a weekly alcohol budget, drinking smaller drinks such as bottle instead of a pint, and introducing more alcohol-free days during the week.

Asking family and friends for support in cutting down can also help, according to NHS Choices.

NHS Kirklees has a specialist team to help people affected by drug and alcohol misuse across the district.

A spokesman for NHS Kirklees said: “The Kirklees Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) is responsible for commissioning services to meet the needs of people affected by drug and alcohol misuse in Kirklees.

“DAAT is based within NHS Kirklees and works closely with Kirklees Council, West Yorkshire Police and the Probation Service.

“As part of DAAT’s work, a comprehensive alcohol treatment system has been developed in Kirklees along with support services for parents and carers of people with alcohol problems.

“The NHS Kirklees website provides a range of useful information on the risks and effects of alcohol and how to get help: kirklees.nhs.uk/your-health/alcohol-and-you/”

Drinking more than the recommended daily limits can increase the risk of mouth, neck and throat cancer, and increase the likelihood of developing high blood pressure.

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