Action week chance to take a load of your mind
What we drink, smoke or take can have a huge impact on our minds and wellbeing.
But often we don’t understand or stop to think about the potential harm caused by drug and alcohol, clinicians warn.
Clinical Nurse Consultant with HNE Health Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services Andrew Taylor said people drink or take drugs for a variety of reasons.
“People drink or take drugs for many different reasons, some recreationally and some to excess.
“Few of us probably stop to think of the impact that those drugs, including alcohol, can have on our mental health and capacity and how important it is to be looking after your mind,” he said.
Community Drug Action Week (20 to 26 June 2010) is an opportunity for individuals and communities everywhere to help raise awareness on the dangers of misusing alcohol and other drugs.
“Most Australians drink alcohol, generally for enjoyment, relaxation and sociability, and do so at levels that cause few adverse effects. Others aren’t so lucky,” Mr Taylor said.
“There is growing evidence that alcohol can increase the risk of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. For some people, it can make pre-existing illnesses and conditions worse, and can also trigger a variety of mental health conditions.
“The relationship between chronic harmful alcohol consumption and cognitive impairment is also well established as is illicit drug use and mental health.
“Drug use will make all forms of depression and anxiety conditions worse in the long run and will also adversely affect the more major mental health disorders like bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia,” he said.
An initiative of the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia, Drug Action Week has been running for the past 13 years and has hosted thousands of community events across the country.
The following events are being held during Drug Action Week:
· Gloucester Community Drug Action Team is holding an information stall will be held in the town’s main street on Wednesday 23 June from 8.30am to 12 noon. For further information contact Claudia 6558 2454.
· Lake Macquarie Community Drug Action Team is running an information stall at Charlestown Shopping Centre from Monday 21 June to Friday 25 June (near Sportsgirl). Activities will include a digital story competition and beer goggle activities. For further information contact Felicity on 4950 3888.
· Newcastle Community Drug Action Team is hosting the Looking After Your Mind Youth Art Exhibition at Hamilton South Community Hall on Friday 25 June from 2-4pm. For further information contact James Butler on 4922 1511 or 0419 440 005
· Port West Community Drug Action Team is holding a Families Together Fun Day at Lakeside No 2 Park Benjamin Lee Drive, Raymond Terrace from 9am to 2pm on Saturday 26 June.
· The Maitland and Southlake community drug action teams are hosting a visit by inspirational guest speaker Sam Cawthorn (Tasmanian Young Australian 2009) who will be speaking in a number of local high schools. Sam will be in the Morisset area on Monday 21 June (contact Christine on 4977 2979) and in the Maitland area on Tuesday 22 June (contact Naomi 4932 0950).
HNE Health’s Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services staff will also be holding a number of displays and information stalls at area hospitals during Drug Action Week, including Cessnock Hospital, Belmont Hospital (22 June) and the foyer of the Royal Newcastle Centre (23 June).
Media enquiries: please contact the Hunter New England Health Communication Unit on (02) 4985 5522. (HNE- 2296).
Contact: Communication Unit
Phone: (02) 4985 5522