A health trust has said that greater awareness is needed around alcohol in order to save lives.

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust has stated that the dangers of drinking too much alcohol need to be more widely understood to help prevent unnecessary deaths.

Individuals who drink excessively are risking harming their health and that of those around them - with risks higher than using any illegal drug.

From short-term illness and injury to long-term serious medical conditions and death, the trust has warned Berkshire drinkers to ere on the side of caution.

Dr Kuldeep Cheent is a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust and an expert in alcoholic liver disease.

He said: “Alcohol is the biggest risk factor to premature death in the UK and there has been a 20 per cent rise in deaths from alcohol-related liver disease since the COVID pandemic.

“UK Government guidelines recommend that men and women should drink no more than 14 units per week, with one to two alcohol-free days.

"It is easy to slip into a pattern of having an extra few drinks per day, but the health risks can be serious, including liver disease, cancer, high blood pressure, and pancreatitis."

Dr Cheent added that binge drinking can be equally harmful.

He is calling on improved awareness of the health risks associated with alcohol excess and additional support for people to take control of their drinking.

Many individuals who have an alcohol problem go through phases of denial about how much they drink, a circumstance common with other addictions.

Tessa Lindfield, Director of Public Health for Berkshire East, said: “Drinking too much alcohol leads to physical, mental and emotional harm, to the drinker and those around them.

"None of us wants to hurt our families, friends and communities and this is why it is so important to be aware of how much you drink and to understand the impact it’s having on you and your loved ones. Being under the influence is no excuse for hurtful and harmful behaviour.

“Tackling alcohol problems early will make a huge difference to your quality of life in both the short and long term – and could well save your life completely.” 

If you live with or know someone who you think may have an alcohol problem, and you have the opportunity to speak with them about it – without putting yourself at risk – your love, care and support can be what they need to realise they have a problem.

A range of information and resources can be found here frimleyhealthandcare.org.uk/alcohol