When the Know Your Limits campaign started at the end of 2006, we highlighted concerns that the guidance on alcohol-free days appeared to have disappeared from Department of Health messages about sensible drinking.
Hugh Wilson raises the issue of alcohol-free days again in the Independent today and cites health professionals who believe as far as serious liver disease is concerned, long-term daily drinking, rather than weekly binge drinking, is by far the biggest risk factor. Research yet to be published by Nick Sheron and colleagues at the University of Southampton supports this view.
Alcohol harm reduction professionals will be aware of the free alcohol awareness resources available from the Department of Health (here (you have to register before ordering) and online) and the Drinkaware Trust. It is worth bearing in mind when using these in local settings that alcohol-free days are only mentioned in connection with recovering from a heavy session, and on the Dept of Health Z cards, "if you want to reduce an over-reliance on alcohol, having 2 alcohol-free days a week can be very useful".
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