How is your relationship with alcohol?

Alcohol Awareness Week takes place from 15 – 21 November with this year’s theme focused on “alcohol and relationships”.

The week is a chance for raising awareness, campaigning for change but also to get people thinking about alcohol in their lives, according to Matthew Thomas, Substance Misuse Development Officer with the Orkney Alcohol & Drugs Partnership (Orkney ADP).

He said: “Alcohol and relationships are closely linked. Many of us associate alcohol and socialising, and alcohol can become a big part of our connections and interactions with those around us. But when our own or a loved one’s drinking starts to negatively affect our relationships or stands in the way of us acting on our own drinking, it can have a huge impact on our lives.

“On top of this, research shows that many of us have found ourselves drinking more to deal with feelings of loneliness and isolation during the pandemic. As we leave lockdown and return to normal life there will be new pressures too – pressures to drink, 'sober shaming', and pressures we put on ourselves to get back to ‘normal’ socialising.

“It's easy to get involved so please check out the link here for more information."

During the week, the Orkney ADP will be looking at the ways in which alcohol can affect relationships and sharing stories, factsheets, tips and more. You can follow Orkney ADP on Facebook and Twitter and also check out the website – www.orkneyadp.org.uk.

If you want to know more information about safer alcohol consumption then you can check out the Drink Aware website for advice, tips and support in having a healthier relationship with alcohol.

If you would like to access support for yourself or a loved one relating to alcohol use then there are several options available to you, both in Orkney and outwith:

• Community Mental Health’s Drug and Alcohol team can offer support regarding problematic alcohol use, contact them on 01856 888280;
• Relationships Scotland Orkney offer one to one support for problematic alcohol use and also offer CRAFT training (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) for families of someone who might use alcohol problematically. They can also offer a mediation service. Contact them on 01856 877750 for more information;
• YPeople Orkney offer their ‘YTalk’ counselling service which can be accessed by any young person up to the age of 25 who is being adversely affected by substance use, either their own or someone else’s – contact Ypeople on Tel: 01856 879958 Email: orkney@ypeople.org.uk;
• Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs is a national charity that supports anyone concerned about someone else’s alcohol or drug use in Scotland. They provide information and advice to many people and help them with confidence, communication, general wellbeing, and we link them into local support. We also help people recognise and understand the importance of looking after themselves. Contact them via https://www.sfad.org.uk/ for more information.
• We Are With You in Scotland are a leading provider of behaviour change services in Scotland, they support people who have issues with drugs, alcohol and mental health, and their families and friends. Contact them via their website for more information.

The Orkney Alcohol and Drugs Partnership is a multi-agency organisation incorporating over 30 members, including NHS Orkney, Orkney Islands Council, Police Scotland and the Voluntary Sector.

The partnership is overseen by a support team who ensure that all members are able to contribute towards various aspects of substance misuse in Orkney which include the three key concepts indicated in the ADP Strategy ; Education and Prevention, Supporting People in Orkney Affected by Substance Misuse and finally Treatment and Recovery. This statement may be updated to reflect the new strategy.