Page last updated at 10:27 GMT, Tuesday, February 14 2012

Alcohol

Alcohol

Eastleigh Borough Council is committed to supporting the sensible use of alcohol alongside the Department of Health's programme and the Home Offices' work to combat the adverse effects of alcohol misuse.  Enjoy safe, sensible drinking.

The STAR Project 

The STAR (Start Tackling Alcohol Responsibly) project is a co-ordinated approach in raising alcohol awareness to young people and parents. It is a multi agency project that links with organisations including Eastleigh Borough Council, Hampshire Police, Schools & Colleges, The Youth Service, Trading Standards, Children's Centres, Sexual Health Advisors and Drugs & Alcohol Advisory Services.

Examples of co-ordinated work include:
• Tackling proxy alcohol sales whereby anyone 18 or over buys alcohol on behalf of a young person working with Trading Standards and the Police.
• Schools in Eastleigh receiving a Solomon ‘Last Orders’ alcohol play informing 13/14 year olds of the risks associated with excessive drinking. 
• Free alcohol information packs given to parents in Children’s Centres and parents evenings in Schools.
• Working with the Point to write and create an alcohol film and then to later be used in alcohol lessons in schools to help inform pupils.
• Providing informal activities in youth centres to educate young people such as spike awareness campaigns.
If you would like more information about the STAR Project please contact Stacey Miller, Youth Alcohol Project Co-ordinator on 02380 688367 or 07789943451  stacey.miller@eastleigh.gov.uk

Download your free STAR leaflet here

Units

Alcohol is measured in units and the number of units in a drink depends on the amount you drink and the strength.

The Department of Health recommends the following daily allowance for safe drinking.

Women - Up to 2-3 units
Men  - Up to 3-4 units

NOTE: This is for adults.  There is no safe guidelines for under 18s!

Examples:
One pint of normal strength beer = 2 units
One 25ml measure of spirits  = 1 unit
One 175ml glass of wine (12%abv) = 2 units
One 330ml alcopop (5%abv)  = 1.5 units

Binge drinking is drinking over double the recommended daily allowance – so be unit aware!

Risks and Consequences

Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in our society and costs the NHS over £3 billion a year.  It has a stronger effect on young people because of their age, smaller bodies and lack of tolerance.  It therefore can lead to higher risks especially for this age group:
• Alcohol can make a person argumentative and aggressive.  It isn't possible to tell beforehand if you are going to turn into a violent drunk.
• It can increase the chance of trying other substances with adverse health and psychological consequences.
• If drunk, it is likely a person might have unplanned or unprotected sex and the possibility of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
• Long term alcohol misuse can lead to oral and liver cancers, stomach ulcers, heart disease and brain damage.
• Alcohol overdose is possible whereby drowsiness and choking on your own vomit can happen.  This can ultimately lead to death. 
• Drinking too much can cause anti social behaviour and is responsible for almost 50% of violent crime according to Hampshire Constabulary.  

Alcohol and Calories

Many people are unaware of the calorie content of alcohol and are very surprised about the number of calories in alcoholic drinks.  The current UK recommended calorie guidelines are 2000 for women and 2500 for men.  Below is a chart that gives examples of how many calories are in drinks and the number of units they contain so you can keep an eye on how many you’re having:

10 Top Tips for Safer Drinking

1. 1.   Eat before you go out as it slows down the absorption rate so that alcohol will not hit your system all at once.
2. 2.   Set a limit on how many drinks you are going to have when you drink, and stick to it.
3. 3.   Don’t buy rounds as it often means you drink more or opt for a soft drink instead.
4. 4.   Pace yourself, there is no hurry.  Slow down and take smaller sips.
5. 5.   Don’t save up your weekly guided recommended allowance and cram it into one evening.
6. 6.   Avoid people topping up your drink as it is hard to manage how much you’re drinking.
7. 7.   Some pub measures are very large so be careful you’re not drinking more units than you intend to.
8. 8.   Be cautious when drinking if on any medication as it can make the effects of alcohol stronger and can counteract the  medication. 
9. 9.  Order your own drinks, and do not pick up a drink that you’ve lost sight of.
10. 10.Always have a way to get home whether by taxi, a designated driver or having a group of friends to walk home with.
     

Alcohol and the Law

• 16/17 years – can consume beer, cider or wine in an eating area on licensed premises as long as accompanied with a meal and bought by an adult.
• If under 18 - The Police can confiscate alcohol and can contact your parents.  If you don't co-operate a fine of £500 can be given.
• Adults – can receive an £80 on the spot fine for buying alcohol on behalf of under 18s or can end up in court and be fined up to £5000.

Fixed Penalty Notices – Alcohol

A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) is issued by an Officer (PC or in some cases PCSO) as a quick resolution to an early stage offence.  The idea being that if a FPN is issued, that behaviour will stop and not lead to further offences.

As such, a FPN can only be issued ONCE for an offence.  Further offending can lead to arrest and an appearance in Court, even if there are weeks or months between offences.

Alcohol related FPNs include –

These fines can be issued at any time to any person found committing the offence. 

Teetotal Celebs

Check out these celebrities who don’t drink alcohol and be inspired!  Follow the fashion trend…

Beyonce	Fearne Cotton	Blake Lively	Jennifer Lopez	Davina McCall
Samuel L Jackson	John Mayer	Konnie Huq	Leona Lewis	David Beckham
Jonathan Ross	Tom Cruise	Zoe Ball	Russell Brand	Jerard Butler

New Drinking Trends

Some people are aware of one of the latest trends in alcoholic drinks targeted at younger drinkers which is called "Crunk juce". This product was the "Brainchild" of and American music rapper Lil John, it is a mixture of Brandy and an energy drink and comes in three flavours Grape, Watermelon and Fruit punch.

The cans look very similar to other energy drinks like Relentless that are very popular with the youth and could be argued that this has been a clever marketing ploy.

Crunk Juce is available in mostly small independent stores as the large supermarkets have declined to sell it. This is because it is aimed at younger drinkers but is 12% proof. To put that in context, drinking a 440ml can has a similar effect to drinking nearly a bottle of wine or 3 large cans of lager. This is made worse as the energy drink/alcohol mix tends to make people very excitable and gives them a false high.  It also makes them very drunk quickly which can lead them to collapsing, making them very vulnerable.

At the moment it is not illegal to buy or sell it but the police have seen it on the streets within Eastleigh Borough and have had to deal with the after effects of people who have drunk only one can. Police advice is to steer clear of it as it is a dangerous cocktail that does affect people badly.

If you become aware of stores that are selling it can you please let the Safer Streets teams know so they can do some educational work with the shop. If you have any questions please feel free to contact  philip.callard@hampshire.pnn.police.uk

Further Information and Support

•  Catch 22 - Drugs and Alcohol service for those aged 19 and under with a 24 hour helpline 0800 559 9591
•  The health dangers of drinking too much - NHS site promoting sensible drinking
•  Alcohol Concern - National agency on alcohol misuse
•  Drink Aware - represents UK drink producers promoting sensible drinking
•  Alcoholics Anonymous  for families and friends affected by drugs and/or alcohol misuse
•  Adfam - for families and friends affected by drugs and/or alcohol misuse
•  Institute of Alcohol Studies - Independent educational body
•  Know your Limits calculate your units
•  Parent Support Link – Hampshire charity for anyone affected by alcohol and/or drug misuse
•  Drink diary
•  Tips on cutting down
•  Online drinks calculator to check if you are drinking at risk
•  More information on alcohol

Free Factsheets to Download

• Alcohol and Men pdf
• Alcohol and Women pdf
• Alcohol and Young People pdf
• Alcohol and your Health pdf
• Alcohol and your Liver pdf
• Alcohol, Mental Health and Wellbeing pdf