Alcohol Concern unveils major new website to help Britain's drinkers "www.howsyourdrink.org.uk"

19th January 2005

Alcohol Concern launched a new website today, ?www.howsyourdrink.org.uk?. The site has been created to help anyone who has ever wondered whether they drink too much, or is concerned about a friend?s or family member?s drinking habits.

The site contains information about drinking, the telltale signs of drinking too much, facts on drinking and health and tips on cutting down. It also features a short, interactive test which gives scientifically based recommendations to help people decide whether they need to change their drinking pattern, and what kind of help they might need. The site may refer people with more serious drink problems to ?Down Your Drink?, a six-week online programme designed to help them develop safer drinking habits.

Alcohol problems affect 8 million people in the UK and this number is rising.

Almost one in three adult men and nearly one in five women now drink over the recommended number of weekly units for sensible drinking.

The recent Public Health White Paper emphasised the prevention of ill health and the importance of early intervention, so ?How?s Your Drink? will have an important role in meeting public health targets. Alcohol Concern hopes that primary health care professionals and social workers will make use of the site for their clients.

Richard Phillips, Director of Policy and Services at Alcohol Concern, said: ?There has never been a better time to bring home the message that prevention is better than cure. Millions of people use the Internet, so this innovative project should make a huge contribution to the fight to combat alcohol-related harm in the UK.

?This site is not just about providing information; it helps individuals think about whether they should change, and shows them what they need to do. It also helps family members of problem drinkers.?

The Department of Health provided initial funding for the site.

Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson, said:
?Alcohol-related injuries and illness costs the health service nearly £2bn every year ? plus the very real personal cost to individuals, families and communities.

?I am pleased that this website will provide accessible advice and information on sensible drinking so that people can take positive action to change their drinking habits.?

ENDS

For further information, contact Sophie Davison, Alcohol Concern Press Officer, on 020 7928 7377. Out of hours, contact Richard Phillips, Director of Policy and Services, 07939 575 290

Notes to Editors
§ Alcohol Concern is the national agency on alcohol misuse. We work to reduce the incidence and costs of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of services available to people with alcohol-related problems.We provide information and encourage debate on the wide range of public policy issues affected by alcohol, including public health, housing, children and families, crime and licensing.
§ ?How's Your Drink" was developed by Alcohol Concern to help people who are not sure whether they drink too much.
§ The website?s interactive test is based around the "Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test" developed by the World Health Organisation. The feedback and recommendations provided after taking the test are based on a review of the scientific literature and advice from clinicians.
§ The "How's Your Drink" project received financial support from drinks company Diageo plc. Editorial control rests entirely with Alcohol Concern in consultation with our scientific advisors and any views expressed on the website are those of Alcohol Concern. The initial financial support came from the Department of Health.
§ Diageo seeks opportunities to work in partnership with organisations such as Alcohol Concern as part of an ongoing commitment to promoting responsible drinking and addressing alcohol misuse. For further information about Diageo's commitment please contact Kate Blakeley, +44 (0)20 7927 4924 or Paul Flanagan, +44 (0)20 8978 8294
§ ?Down Your Drink" ? www.downyourdrink.org.uk is an online tool to assess whether your drinking is putting you at risk of harm, and a programme of information and support for people who want to reduce their drinking. It is run by Alcohol Concern, supported by funding from the Department of Health and the Alcohol Education and Research Council.

Date: 19 January 2005