70% of A & E presentations can be alcohol related at peak times
And it’s likely to be the same this New Year’s Eve for the hard working staff up and down the country in our hospitals. A study has shown that 70% of all A & E presentations can be alcohol related at peak times (12pm to 5am). Over a 24 hour period 35% of ambulance calls and A & E admissions can be alcohol related, costing the NHS up to £ 0.5 billion a year. In the study 41% of people brought in were positive for alcohol consumption and out of these 14% were intoxicated and 43% were problematic alcohol users.
TOP CAUSES OF ALCOHOL-RELATED ATTENDANCE AT A & E
Source: MORI and Health Development Agency (2002)
So this year, keep an eye on the amount you are drinking and make sure you don’t become a statistic.
Drinking alcohol can make Anxiety and Depression Worse
There are often high expectations for New Years Eve. Most people want to celebrate with friends and family and with the prospects of New Beginnings from the 1st January hopes are often raised. This is not the same for everybody and if you’re going through a bad patch, or feeling estranged from your loved ones it can be a difficult time of year. Whilst one or two drinks may help people to relax if you are feeling down drinking can make you feel worse.
1000 suicides a year are linked with alcohol use
Whilst self-medicating with alcohol can be counterproductive, there is a lot you can do to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. All of the following not only help people recover, they also promote positive mental health and so help prevent depression:
If you are feeling low, don’t have a drink, talk to someone instead. If you don’t have anyone you can approach to talk to, you can telephone the Samaritans on 08457 909090.
If you are feeling depressed over the festive period and feel you cannot wait to see your GP, and need to access immediate support and advice, you can contact the Mental Health Gateway Service on 522214.