Christmas should be a time for family and togetherness but not everybody has a loving environment in which they can feel safe and secure at this time of year. Please spare a thought for those who are facing the prospect of being alone during this festive period.
Whether it be leaving a glass of sherry for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve or sharing a mug of mulled wine with friends, Christmas time for many is also associated with the consumption of alcohol.
With this in mind, Recovery Near You has been talking to its clients and members of the public to raise awareness of safe drinking limits and warn people of the risks associated with alcohol misuse. In the short term, exceeding safe drinking limits can lower inhibitions and lead people to do things that they would not normally do. There is also a recognised association between excessive alcohol use, violent crime and cases of domestic violence. In the longer term, alcohol misuse is linked to a variety of serious mental and physical health problems.
Recovery Near You would therefore encourage people to drink responsibly during the festive period, to stay safe and spare a thought for those who are less fortunate than themselves. Most of all Recovery Near You would like to wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
If you or somebody you know has a problem with alcohol or drugs, support is available from many services across the city.
Recovery Near You 0300 200 2400
Alcoholics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous
Mental Health Crisis and Home Treatment 01902 444141
Samaritans 08457 90 90 90
The Haven (domestic violence helpline) 08000 194 400