New Hertfordshire-wide helpline for people worried about their alcohol intake
Is the virus shutdown leading to unhealthy drinking habits? Picture: Getty Images - Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
An alcohol support service has launched in Hertfordshire.
Spectrum Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service which is part of national charity Change Grow Live is providing a new service for people who are drinking more than usual but may not think about visiting a regular treatment centre.
The charity, with funding from Hertfordshire County Council, now provides accessible support over the phone, or using video calling, so people can discuss their drinking in a comfortable environment.
Research from Alcohol Change UK after the first lockdown found that one in 5 drinkers had been drinking more and 15 per cent said they had been drinking more per session.
Service manager Steve Smith said: “2020 has been a difficult year for many people.
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“Many are worried about the coronavirus or their livelihoods and this anxiety has led to some people drinking more to cope. Now we are in the middle of a second lockdown, these anxieties may get worse.
“We encourage anyone who is worried about their drinking to take that first step and pick up the phone. We can help.”
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Anyone worried about their drinking can contact them on 0800 652 3169.
Alcoholics Anonymous is also available 24/7 on 0800 9177 650.
