Sober October is a worldwide movement that encourages people to abstain from alcohol for the entire month of October. Advertisement Advertisement The scheme has grown in popularity over recent years, due to a number of factors including the cost of purchasing alcohol, as well as the health benefits linked to reducing the amount of booze being consumed. Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NorthernIrelandWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.
The Public Health Agency has detailed the health benefits associated with cutting down on the amount of alcohol being consumed, offering advice to anyone wishing to reduce their alcohol intake. Stephanie Hanlon, joint regional lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA , said: “It is easy to forget that alcohol is a powerful drug. We need to be careful how we use it and be aware of the effect it can have on our health and the negative impact on those around us.
Many people might use alcohol to relax, but instead of helping us to cope, excess amounts can have both an immediate and long-term negative impact on our lives. Advertisement Advertisement “Regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week risks damaging your health. It can increase your risk of serious illness, including heart attack, stroke and certain cancers.
“However, small changes to your drinking habits can help to make a big difference in reducing the chances of developing alcohol-related problems. “14 units is about the sa.