Alcohol is a powerful drug and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone not to let drink ruin your Christmas and New Year celebrations. Stephanie Hanlon, Joint Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “All too often we see families affected by their loved ones over-indulging in alcohol, and that can be a particular problem at this time of year when many choose to drink alcohol as part of their festive celebrations. “Many people might use alcohol to relax but instead of helping us to cope, excess amounts can have both an immediate and long term negative impact on our lives

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on those who choose to drink alcohol this festive season to not stockpile alcohol as it could increase the risk of you drinking more that you normally would. Many of us over-indulge at Christmas but overdoing it with alcohol could seriously damage your health. Michael Owen, the PHA’s lead for Drugs and Alcohol, said: “Many of us like to have a drink at Christmas and we’re not saying people shouldn’t, but it’s important that we enjoy ourselves safely. “Many people do not realise that alcohol is a powerful drug and we need to be careful how we use it

With the pubs shut, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is using Northern Ireland Alcohol Awareness Week (15-21 June) to encourage drinkers to take a closer look at their drinking habits at home and give themselves an “Alcohol MOT”. Over three-quarters (79%) of adults here drink alcohol so the PHA and Northern Ireland’s five Drug and Alcohol Coordination Teams (DACTs) are asking people, in the absence of pub measures, to check how much they have been drinking at home with the Alcohol MOT on www.drugsandalcoholni.info/mot Michael Owen, Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “Many of

With the government calling on people to stay at home as much as possible to help stop the spread of coronavirus, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is asking people who drink alcohol to think about their drinking habits during this period. Michael Owen, Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “Several countries are reporting an increase in home drinking and it’s likely that we are no different. Drinking too much alcohol can seriously damage your health and have a negative impact on those around you. Alcohol is an extremely powerful drug and we need to be careful of how we use it.