Alcohol Awareness Week – Bereavement

Alcohol in the family

This week is Alcohol Awareness Week, with a focus on Alcohol and Families. We have picked a theme for each day to share facts and information about the impact and harm alcohol can have on relationships and families.

Bereavement

Losing someone you love and care about is one of the hardest things any of us could go through. In 2016, there were 7,327 alcohol related deaths in the UK and unfortunately that number is only increasing. Many of these deaths leave behind loved ones who often experience lots of emotions – shock, anger, disbelief, confusion, helplessness and guilt.

Sometimes it can be hard to open up to talk about loss because of the stigma around alcohol misuse but there is support available and bereavement isn’t something anyone needs to face alone.

Across our services we have active bereavement support groups, open to client, families and friends of those who have lost their lives to substance misuse. There is also lots of support available online.

Tomorrow, we’ll look at the risks of addiction to the family especially for young children and during pregnancy.

If you or someone you care about is concerned about their alcohol or drug use, contact one of our services to get help and advice today.