Alcohol advice offered in city with high abuse rate

Wolverhampton residents are being encouraged to consider the harmful effects of excessive drinking as part of Alcohol Awareness Week.

Mortality and hospital admission rates in the city for alcohol-specific conditions are both significantly above the national average, the council said.

Substance misuse service Recovery Near You and council services will be available at several locations in the city throughout the week offering advice and support.

Tackling the harms caused by alcohol were a priority for the city, councillor Obaida Ahmed, cabinet member for health, wellbeing and community, said.

"Many people like to drink alcohol from time to time, but it is important to do so in moderation because the harm caused by alcohol affects millions of people every year - leading not just to health problems but also causing financial worries, relationship breakdown and family difficulties," Ahmed said.

Council data suggested that, of those living in the city who require support with their drinking, only about a quarter are currently engaged with support services, the authority said.

In 2023, it said it was reviewing its services after recording the highest rate of alcohol-specific deaths in the country.

Seventy people died in Wolverhampton due to alcohol consumption in 2020, prompting the review, the council said.

Earlier this year, the region's Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster reported almost 20,000 people were treated for drug and alcohol misuse in the West Midlands last year.

Advice and support locations:

• The Bob Jones Community Hub, Bromley Street - Tuesday 8 July from 10:00 and 14:00 BST

• The Hub, Railway Drive - Wednesday 9 July from 10:00 and 14:00

• Recovery Hub Connaught Road - Thursday 10 July from 09:00 and 17:00

• Duncan Street Primary Care Centre - Friday 11 July from 10:00 and 14:00

• Pennfields Medical Centre, Upper Zoar Street - Saturday 12 July from 10:00 and 14:00

• Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Wednesfield on Sunday 13 July from 10:00 and 14:00

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