Coming under pressure from your family and friends to use Dry January to tackle your drinking?
While thousands of people are preparing to use Dry January to take a break from alcohol after the festive season, it can be dangerous to some people to stop drinking without professional support.
Grimsby’s Alcohol Care Team, based at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, is warning those dependent on alcohol can risk serious health complications if they take part in Dry January without professional support and advice.
Natalie Brown, Alcohol Specialist Nurse, said: “Well-meaning friends and family can put pressure on relatives to take part in Dry January if they’re concerned about their drinking.
“However, someone who is dependent on alcohol is at risk of serious complications including seizures, hallucinations and delirium if they suddenly stop or cut their alcohol use.
“We’ve advise anyone who has alcohol dependency to seek advice and support from experts if they’re planning to reduce or stop drinking so they can be closely monitored and kept safe and well.”
Before signing up for Dry January, the team encourages people to recognise the signs that they may be dependent on alcohol. There’s lots of information on this dedicated NHS section to help you.
Natalie said: “We know some people struggle to see or accept when their drinking is affecting their relationships or their quality of life. It’s also common for people to conceal how much they’re drinking so their loved ones don’t know the full extent of the problem.”
Dependent drinkers often experience physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when they are not drinking alcohol such as hand tremors – “the shakes”, sweating, visual hallucinations, anxiety, depression and difficulty sleeping. It can lead to “relief drinking” – also known as “hair of the dog” – where more alcohol is consumed to avoid or tackle withdrawal symptoms.
Natalie said: “The best plan is for people who recognise these symptoms associated with their drinking to contact specialist services in the community for support.
“Dry January can still be an option but it may be that a safer approach is to cut down or start reducing now rather than waiting until January.”
If you live in Grimsby, here are some of the community services which can help if you’re dependent on alcohol.
- We Are With You 01472 806890 [email protected]
- Alcoholics Anonymous’ 0800 9177650 [email protected]
- Carers Support Service’ 01472 242277 www.carerssupportcentre.com
- NAViGO Talking Therapies www.navigocare.co.uk/NHStalkingtherapies/self-refer
- Crisis Team Call 01472 256256 (option 3) or Text ORANGE to 85258