Admitting to and taking steps to address an alcohol problem is not easy.

In some cases, issues surrounding drink come to light when other conditions arise. Four years ago Andrew was admitted to Bradford Royal Infirmary with chest pains and was convinced he was having a heart attack.

While in hospital he was asked how much and how often he drank and was given the opportunity to meet the Alcohol Care Team.

An honest discussion with the alcohol clinical nurse specialist saw him opening up about how he had been drinking to help him cope for 20 years.

A young widower, Andrew, who does not want to disclose his surname, was raising a child with challenging behaviour, while also trying to hold down a job.

“Alcohol screening helps to identify patients, like Andrew, who are drinking over the recommended weekly units and who may benefit from help and advice or be referred for additional support,” says alcohol clinical nurse specialist Wendy Lambert.

“By asking a number of simple questions relating to how often and how much people drink, identifies those whose drinking habits may cause them short and/or long term health risks.”

Andrew was put in touch with a counsellor and, working together, they helped him to rebuild his life.

He admits that starting the conversation about his alcohol use and opening up about it was a big step.

“By talking to the team I started to understand the effect that alcohol was having on my body and mind. I realised that I was struggling with a lot of my life; I was depressed and using alcohol to cope.

“If I had understood this sooner I could have had a very different life."

He adds: “I was encouraged to keep a diary and record what I was drinking and my feelings. I can look back on this and see where I can improve and do things differently.”

Across the district it is estimated that there are around 92,000 people drinking at increasing risk levels. Of these 17,000 are calculated to be drinking at higher risk levels that could lead to physical or psychological harm. Around 15,000 people are physically dependent upon alcohol. Suddenly stopping drinking alcohol can be very dangerous. The Alcohol Care Team offers support and can refer people for treatment which ensures that people do this safely.

In 2014/15 more than 27,000 people attending Bradford Royal Infirmary’s Accident & Emergency department had their alcohol use assessed. This led to 1,800 people receiving alcohol advice from A&E clinicians and around 600 appointments being made at the A&E Alcohol Review Clinic.

The Alcohol Care Team also carried out almost 1600 in-depth assessments around alcohol use on the main hospital wards during 2014/15.

It wasn’t just Andrew’s attitude to alcohol that changed as a result of working with the team. Engaging in the programme saw him change his whole approach. The team helped Andrew to reflect upon how he spent his time at home and hope to find alternatives to drinking.

He says: “I have started to exercise. It is important for my recovery. I walk to and from work every day which gives me time to think, rather than sitting in traffic getting stressed. I also go swimming three time a week. Exercising has really boosted my confidence, it’s also improved my mood and I have lost weight.

The positive changes have not only impacted upon Andrew’s wellbeing. His family is benefitting too.

“I didn’t realise how much I was spending on alcohol every week. With the money I’ve saved I’ve been able to spend more quality time with my daughter. We have been able to go on holiday which has been great for both of us.”

Still on his recovery journey, Andrew admits that it is not always easy. “It’s always going to be there. Winter’s hard, and when I’m alone I’ve learned to plan, keep occupied and I know what to do if I can’t cope.

“With the help and support I’ve had, I’m happy I’ve overcome a lot of my alcohol problems. I’ll keep on going.”

During Alcohol Awareness Week the Alcohol Care Team, in partnership with Lifeline Piccadilly Project, will be in the main entrance of Bradford Royal Infirmary. Today, Thursday and Friday, they will be offering advice and information about alcohol related issues and sharing their latest resource ‘Alcohol and Your Liver: what you need to know.’

*For more information on the team’s work visit bdct.nhs.uk/alcohol-care-team or call Lifeline Piccadilly Project 01274 735775.