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Alcohol Effects
Drinking causes damage you can't see:
a new campaign to reduce harmful drinking
Campaign and materials
Welcome to the stakeholder area for the Department of Health's Alcohol Effects campaign. Launched in February 2010, it builds on the previous Units campaign and aims to raise awareness of the hidden health harm that can be caused by regularly drinking too much. It is backed by Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation and the Stroke Association.
The target audience is 25-55 year olds in the increasing and higher-risk categories, plus over 55 year olds with pre-existing conditions such as stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes. Evidence shows that:
- you could be three times more likely to have a stroke and three times more likely to get mouth cancer if you're a man regularly drinking more than two pints of strong lager (ABV 5.2%) a day; and
- you are 50% more likely to get breast cancer and twice as likely to have high blood pressure, which could lead to a stroke or heart attack, if you're a woman regularly drinking two glasses of wine (ABV 13%) or more a day
It is hoped that your local campaigns will mirror and reinforce the national campaign activity, making both campaigns more effective and helping to create behaviour change.
New materials for Alcohol Effects campaign
A range of new materials are available to help you reach people in your area:
- An Updated 'Your drinking and You' booklet: giving the facts on alcohol and including a six-step programme on how to cut down
- Pocket guide to alcohol units in popular drinks: a handy guide that people can carry round in their wallet or purse
- Fact sheet for GPs: helping you to identify and support patients who drink excessively
- Three posters: one aimed at men, one aimed at women, plus a third providing a visual guide to units in popular drinks, the different risk categories
- Drinks and units wheels: an engaging, interactive way to show people how many units are in popular drinks using paper wheels
- Leaflets aimed at those who have pre existing medical conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke) which can be affected by alcohol. This material is specifically aimed at over-55s.
Order copies of these or download to print yourself.
Thank you in advance for your support. Please keep checking this site for campaign updates, guidance and materials. If you have any questions relating to the Alcohol Effects campaign please email: socialmarketing@alcohollearningcentre.org.uk
The Alcohol Effects website for the general public is at: www.nhs.uk/drinking 
