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Alcohol

This page contains information for people looking to learn more about the risks associated with alcohol use. We provide recommendations on teaching resources for all age groups and community settings, hints and tips on reducing risk, and how to increase engagement on the topic of alcohol.

What we do

The Health Promotion Team aims to work within the community and with local partners to raise awareness about alcohol and the health risks in all age groups. We do this to mitigate alcohol associated health risks.

Our work is driven by local and national objectives, and is aligned with Scotland’s Public Health Priorities to work towards a Scotland where we reduce the use of and harm from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Reduce The Risk Logo

Units of alcohol

It can be easy to think we may already know everything about alcohol. Take a look at this video by one of our staff members discussing units of alcohol in more detail, what that really means, and see if you learn anything new.

Follow on from this with the Count14 Unit Calculator

The resources mentioned in the “What makes up a unit” video, and many others, are available in our Information and resources centre

Associated risks

It is important to note that there are many associated risks linked with consuming alcohol, here are just a few:

  • Alcohol - Risks of drinking too much
  • Alcohol and Dementia
  • Alcohol and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
  • Alcohol and your body
Count 14 how does your weekly drinking add up?

Helping to reduce the risk

Using alcohol increases the risk of developing 7 types of cancer, to help reduce the risk:

  • Limit alcoholic drinks to 14 units per week
  • Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic drinks
  • Take alcohol free days between drinks

There are many other changes that can be made to help reduce the risk of cancer, listen to our Talking Head to hear more. More information can be found by downloading the PDF document below:

  • Reduce the risk (PDF)

Raising awareness

Raising awareness about alcohol can be easy. Follow the guidance set out in our most recent campaign pack (PDF)

Find out what seven double measures of spirits equates to in calories by downloading this short video

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Training

The NHS Fife Health Promotion team offers “Reduce the Risk” training, to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide brief advice to clients on modifiable risk factors associated with cancer prevention.

More information can be found by downloading the PDF document below:

  • Reduce the risk (PDF)

Additionally, organisations such as Alcohol Focus Scotland offer diverse training and education options:

https://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/training/

 


National resources

Alcohol Brief Intervention resources | Public Health Scotland

Additional links and resources

  • Scotland's Public Health Priorities
  • NHS Inform: Alcohol (Scotland’s National Health Information Service)
  • ADP (Fife Alcohol and Drug Partnership)
  • A list of support services available in Fife
  • Young Scot: Alcohol Information for young people
  • How does your weekly drinking add up?

Contact us

Health Promotion Service
Fife Health and Social Care Partnership

fife.healthpromotion@nhs.scot


The partnership working we have at Fife College with NHS Fife Health and Social Care is invaluable, in order to bring our students the most relevant and current information resources and referral pathways. Our “Get Ready for Christmas” event hosted videos and E-media in order to bring information about healthy choices surrounding lots of issues including alcohol. The NHS talking heads information videos were great and our students found them really useful in providing them with information and links to finding the right support.

John Blakey , Lead Adviser – Wellbeing & Guidance, Fife College

Other pages in Health promotion service

Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme

Children and young people

Food and health

Gambling prevention

Health literacy in Fife

Health promoting health service

Health promotion training

Information and resources centre

Communities and Localities Team

Mental health improvement

Stop smoking service

Tobacco prevention and protection

Welfare reform and anti-poverty

Workplace Team

Suicide prevention in Fife

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NHS Fife is working to improve health services with the involvement and support of the public and our partners in other NHS Boards, Fife Council and voluntary services.

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