With this in mind, our Alcohol Recovery Community Hub North has been talking to its clients and members of the public to raise awareness of safe drinking limits and to warn people of the risks associated with alcohol misuse. In the short term, exceeding safe drinking limits can lower inhibitions and lead people to do things that they would not normally do; there is also a recognised association between excessive alcohol use, violent crime and cases of domestic violence. In the longer term, alcohol misuse is linked to a variety of serious mental and physical health problems.
ARCH North would therefore encourage people to drink responsibly during the festive period, to stay safe and to spare a thought for those who are less fortunate than themselves.
Most of all, ARCH North would like to wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
If you or somebody you know has a problem with alcohol or drugs, support is available from many services across the city.
Useful Links: BSMHFT ARCH www.bsmhft.nhs.uk/our-services/addictions-services/addictions-recovery-community-hub-arch/
0121 301 0000
Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk 0845 769 7555
Narcotics Anonymous
www.ukna.org 0300 999 1212
Birmingham and Solihull Women's Aid
www.bswaid.org/ 0800 073 2606
Aquarius
www.aquarius.org.uk 0121 414 1222
Birmingham Crisis
www.birminghamcrisis.org.uk 0121 507 0707
Salvation Army
www.salvationarmy.org.uk 0121 507 8500
PALS
www.bsmhft.nhs.uk/service-user-and-carer/customer-relations/ 0800 953 0045
Samaritans
www.samaritans.org 0121 666 6644
SIFA Fireside
www.sifafireside.co.uk 0121 766 1700
Birmingham City Council Domestic Violence
www.birmingham.gov.uk/domesticviolence