Tauranga residents are being challenged to give up their favourite tipple for the month in response to the nationwide alcohol free February campaign.

According to Ministry of Health statistics, drinking patterns in New Zealand reveal one in six adults have a potentially hazardous drinking pattern.

Tauranga Hospital alcohol and drug services clinical team leader Anne Gosling says the main concern of heavy drinking is the effect of alcohol on the liver.

'There is some evidence that daily drinking of even moderate amounts of alcohol can cause liver inflammation and increase the risk of liver damage and disease.

'Alcohol-free days allow the liver to recover in-between drinking sessions and lessen the risk of harm to the liver.”

Anne says people of all ages can have problems with alcohol.

'In terms of people accessing treatment at our alcohol and addiction service, we see anyone from the age of 18-up, and younger people can access a service via Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.”

She says sometimes people are unaware they are at risk of alcohol-related harm through what they consider to be relatively low levels of alcohol use.

Anne suggests people look at the ALAC guidelines on ‘safer' drinking at www.alac.org.nz and try to stick to them if they want to change their drinking habits.

'I would encourage everybody to have an honest look at how much and how often they drink and to consider ways to reduce this.

'Examples of ways in which cutting down can be achieved includes increasing the number of alcohol-free days you have per week, switching to lower-alcohol-strength drinks, alternating alcoholic with non-alcoholic drinks when drinking, changing where you drink, when and who with.”
Anne says a little planning can go a long way.

'Make sure you have plenty of low-strength alcohol or alcohol-free alternatives on hand and try new activities, which don't involve alcohol instead of going to the pub or drinking at home.”

Anne says people need help with planning to change their drinking, as well as support to implement it.

'But you should also be aware that someone who is physically dependent on alcohol may experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal if they stop drinking suddenly.

'As alcohol withdrawal syndrome can itself carry some health risks, you should also speak to the person's GP or an alcohol treatment provider for advice if you're concerned.”

People wanting help with their drinking can contact the Addiction Service on 579 8391, Hanmer Clinic in Greerton on 579 6470 or the Salvation Army on 578 4264.