Western Australians are urged to make positive choices in a new campaign intended to help people reduce their risk of alcohol-related harm during the current pandemic.
The McGowan Government has invested $330,000 into a new Alcohol.Think Again education campaign to reduce the risk of alcohol-related harm associated with COVID-19.
Alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system, which is important to keep optimised throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and upcoming flu season.
The new Alcohol.Think Again campaign provides practical tips for Western Australians to keep within low-risk drinking limits and reduce their risk of alcohol-related harms.
On top of the new campaign, the McGowan Government is also providing more support to clinicians who do not specialise in alcohol and drug issues to assist their patients.
The new Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service is a dedicated phone line for health professionals, and will be provided by the Mental Health Commission's experienced addiction medicine specialists.
This new service means that no matter where they are located within WA, clinicians and therefore the community will have access to leading treatment and advice regarding alcohol and other drug issues.
For anyone concerned about their own or a loved one's alcohol or drug use, the Alcohol and Drug Support Line is available 24 hours a day for information and support on 08 9442 5000 or 1800 198 024 (Country).
Visit http://www.alcoholthinkagain.com.au for tips for reducing your drinking in the home.
As stated by Mental Health Minister Roger Cook:
"We know an increase in alcohol is associated with higher rates of harm and ill-health in our community. At a time when we want to take the pressure off our health system, the last thing we need is an increase in alcohol-caused harm.
"The WA community has done well during our response to COVID‑19. One of the things we need to do is look after our own health, so everyone should avoid drinking at dangerous levels.
"The new Alcohol.Think Again campaign and the new phone line for GP's work hand-in-hand to educate and support people in our community who may be experiencing harm from alcohol or drug use.
"I'd like to thank the Mental Health Commission for initiating these projects as part of our response to COVID-19."
