Alcohol
Other factors that have an impact
Impact of alcohol use
Alcohol use has a considerable impact on individuals, families and communities, contributing to a range of physical, mental and social harms.
Alcohol consumption is an underlying cause for more than 30 conditions, including being known to cause 7 types of cancer. However, alcohol is normalised across society and is very much a part of everyday recreational activities and celebrations. This makes it more difficult to identify and accept when drinking becomes problematic, particularly when physical health harms may not be apparent for years. People who seek treatment from treatment services can be stigmatised. The result is a high unmet need, with almost three quarters of those dependent on alcohol not engaged with treatment services.
Another issue that comes from alcohol use, is the associated anti-social behaviour, crime and violence. This can have an impact both inside and outside the home. In Stockton-on-Tees Town Centre, street drinking is an issue impacting on the real and perceived safety felt by residents and businesses.
Local authorities and wider partners have a role to play in reducing alcohol related harm. Due to stigma within society, there is a shift towards treating alcohol use as a long-term relapsing chronic health condition and using non-stigmatising language or approaches.
Health inequalities in alcohol use are both a cause and a consequence of deprivation, with those in most deprived areas experiencing the highest levels of harm.
