Latest figures have shown that alcohol-related deaths in Buckinghamshire are on the rise.
Last year, there were 214 fatalities relating to alcohol in the county, which is a 22 per cent raise from 2010 where there were 175 deaths in connection to booze.
The current figures are the highest since records began and officials at UKAT (United Kingdom Addiction Treatment), believe the increase in deaths is, ‘wrong’ and they’re moving in a ‘worrying direction’.
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UKAT’s group treatment lead, Nuno Albuquerque, said: “December is notoriously a month for some to over-indulge, and alcohol becomes more and more prevalent and difficult to avoid with Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The graph which shows the amount of deaths in Buckinghamshire which have been alcohol-related
“People tend to drink to excess at this time of year, reaching and exceeding their normal limit with alcohol.
"But binge drinking is extremely dangerous because it can cause real short and long term health problems and can even cause death.”
UKAT explains that binge drinking is defined as men consuming five or more drinks within around two hours and for women, four or more drinks within the same time period.
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Nuno added; “Binge drinking has an immediate effect on your coordination and judgment, but it also leads to dangerous long-term problems with your heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.
Binge drinking also increases the body’s tolerance to alcohol, and so the amount consumed each time increases.
“This can lead to the person becoming alcohol dependent, and as the recent figures from Public Health England have revealed, the number of people in Buckinghamshire dying because of alcohol-related conditions rises. This is an extremely concerning trend.
“It’s important to remember that these aren’t just numbers; they’re someone’s mother, father, child or friend they won’t get to enjoy this time of year with.
“We encourage everyone in Buckinghamshire to be safe with alcohol and to seek professional support if they’re struggling.”
For confidential help and support with alcohol at this time of year, or to find treatment services in Buckinghamshire, visit www.ukat.co.uk/alcohol.
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