drugs and alcohol

With almost half of drinkers (46%) drinking most of their alcohol at home, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to take a moment to think about what exactly they’re pouring and the impact it might be having on them. This Northern Ireland Alcohol Awareness Week (15–21 June), a collaboration between the PHA and Northern Ireland’s five Drug and Alcohol Connections Services, people are being encouraged to get to know the alcohol units in their drink, consider reducing the amount they are drinking, and choose an alternative to alcohol, under the theme of ‘better choices’. The aim of

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding anyone choosing to drink alcohol this St Patrick’s Day to plan ahead and make safer choices. Stephanie Hanlon, Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “As people get ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day with their friends and family, we are reminding them to keep an eye on their alcohol intake, should they choose to drink. “You should make a plan and stick to it. This can be difficult when you feel under pressure in a group situation, when peers may say ‘just have one more drink’, but keeping an eye on what your drinking, and letting

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising people to plan ahead and take steps to reduce the risk of drink ruining Christmas celebrations. Stephanie Hanlon, Joint Regional Lead for Substance Use at the PHA, said: “All too often we see families affected by their loved ones over-indulging in alcohol, and that can be a particular problem at this time of year when drink can end up becoming a disproportionate part of festive celebrations, often with negative or unintended consequences. “Many people might use alcohol to relax, but it can have both immediate and long-term impacts on our lives. “In

With young people set to receive their exam results, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents and guardians to talk to them now about risks of drinking alcohol and taking drugs. Thousands of teenagers will receive their A-level and GCSE results this week and next. Following these occasions, we can often see excessive drinking or drug taking, so it is important that everyone is aware of the risks, even those who have drunk alcohol or taken drugs previously. Kevin Bailey, Joint Regional Lead for Substance Use at the PHA, said: “Parents and guardians can make the first move and talk

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging anyone choosing to drink alcohol during the Twelfth of July celebrations, to keep an eye on their drinking by making a sensible plan and sticking to it. Whether it is drinking at home, at a party, at an eleventh night bonfire, or at a parade, everyone is being reminded that alcohol carries serious risks both to safety and to health. Kevin Bailey, Joint Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “Many people will be making plans to meet up with their friends and family to celebrate over the bank holiday weekend. We are encouraging them to keep

This Northern Ireland Alcohol Awareness Week (16–22 June), those who drink are being reminded that alcohol is a powerful drug and can have a serious impact on their health. A collaboration between the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Northern Ireland’s five Drug and Alcohol Connection Services, the theme of this year’s Northern Ireland Alcohol Awareness Week is ‘understanding alcohol harm’. The aim of the week is to ensure that everyone has a better understanding about alcohol harm and the associated health risks. Each of the connection services will be working across local communities to

A new campaign in community pharmacies is encouraging people to be more aware of how much alcohol they drink and the impact it could be having on their health. The Public Health Agency’s (PHA) ‘Know your units’ campaign will run in community pharmacies across Northern Ireland throughout June and July 2025 as part of the Living Well service. It aims to increase awareness of the drinking guidelines and the health risks associated with drinking alcohol in excess of these guidelines. Stephanie Hanlon, Joint Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA said: “The most recent statistics from 2023

As people get ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging anyone choosing to drink to be careful and keep an eye on their alcohol intake by making a plan, setting a limit and sticking to it. Kevin Bailey, Joint Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “Many people will be making plans to meet up with their friends and family to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and we are encouraging them to keep an eye on their alcohol intake should they choose to drink. “By setting a plan, you can avoid binge drinking which has been shown to have adverse effects

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to stay safe and not take risks with alcohol and other drugs over the festive party season. Most fatal overdoses involve the use of more than one type of drug, and any combination of prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, illicit drugs or alcohol can be dangerous. The PHA strongly recommends that you do not take any drug unless it has been prescribed to you by a medical professional and in accordance with your prescription. Stephanie Hanlon, Joint Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “We know that some people

The Public Health Agency (PHA), Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) and the Western Drug and Alcohol Partnership hosted an event on 6 November 2024 in the Waterfoot Hotel, Derry~Londonderry to present the research findings of a western substance use needs assessment. This research identified local needs within the Western HSC Trust area and regional recommendations to be considered by the Western Drug and Alcohol Partnership, as they continue to work collaboratively across the locality. The event hosted a number of presentations that highlighted some of the significant developments