Alcohol treatment
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Alcohol treatment
Alcohol is among the most misused substances in the UK. Alcohol misuse can cause a number of problems affecting yourself and your community.
Alcohol is a causal factor in over 200 medical conditions including anxiety, stroke, amnesia, heart disease and liver disease.
Around 80% of those with alcohol dependency have unmet needs.
Alcohol is also a class 1 carcinogen (same as tobacco and asbestos).
In 2017 to 2019, the rate of alcohol related cancer in Medway was 39 per 100,000 people.
In 2022, Medway had 96 alcohol related deaths. This is similar to the previous year.
In 2022, the total potential years of life lost in Medway due to alcohol-related conditions was 1,040 years for males which is similar compared to England, and 566 years for females which is similar to England.
Alcohol misuse costs the NHS 3.5 billion pounds and society 21 billion pounds annually.
In 2020/21 to 2022/23, the alcohol specific hospital admission rate for minors was 23.3 per 100,000, which is similar in comparison to England.
What’s available in Medway?
The key resource for those affected by alcohol and/or substance abuse is River, Medway Treatment and Recovery Service.
River helps people who have issues with drugs and/or alcohol use and who want to make a positive change.
They also support family and friends of those who are worried about their loved ones' substance use.
The number for River is 0300 123 1560.
You can find more information and support on the Medway Council Substance Misuse Support page.