Banburyshire sees huge rise in alcohol-related hospital admissions - Special Report

According to figures released by the NHS, Cherwell shows a rise of 45 per cent in the number of alcohol-related hospital admissions over the past six years.

The last year alone has seen a ten per cent rise.

The Oxfordshire rise over the six years is 27 per cent. Cherwell is in the top spot with the city and other districts showing a less dramatic rise of between 15 and 25 per cent. The differential is reflected in Stratford-on-Avon district and South Northants district whose six year rises are 46 per cent and 55 per cent respectively.

NHS figures show that in 2018 almost 175,000 people were admitted to hospitals across the south east because of alcohol.

Analysis of the statistics by alcohol addiction treatment experts UKAT reveals that the number of people admitted to hospital where the primary reason or a secondary diagnosis was linked to alcohol, has risen across the region by 30 per cent since 2012-13, and is a figure that has continued to rise for the last six years.

Conditions for hospital admission due to alcohol include cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, alcohol poisoning and alcoholic liver disease.

The Oxfordshire figures show there were 9,340 alcohol related admissions in 2012-13 rising to 11,820 in 2018-19 – a six year rise of 27 per cent.

UKAT’s analysis shows the areas with the highest number of alcohol-related hospital admissions in 2018-19 include Kent (30,150), Hampshire (29,720) and Surrey (22,730).

The analysis shows huge rises in hospital admissions over the six years to 2018-19 - for Southampton at 85 per cent, Isle of Wight at 80 per cent and Buckinghamshire at 49 per cent.

The only areas across the South East to have reduced the number of alcohol-related hospital admissions over the same period are Brighton and Hove and East Sussex.

Across the south east the number of men greatly outweigh the number of women admitted to hospital due to alcohol in 2018-19 even though the total number of people admitted has increased. This is a trend that has stayed the same over the last six years.

Nuno Albuquerque, group treatment lead at UKAT told the Banbury Guardian: “The problem with alcohol in this country is a ticking time bomb about to explode.

“NHS hospitals in particular across the South East are crippling under pressures directly attributable to the misuse of alcohol; a drug that is so socially accepted yet so incredibly dangerous.

“People here are seemingly struggling with their alcohol consumption – drinking so much alcohol that it is leading to hospitalisation and the diagnosis of further, debilitating conditions yet the government continues to have their heads buried in the sand.

“The question is, why do we still not have an alcohol-specific strategy, as promised back in 2018? It is a huge problem and one that needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.”

Here are six drinking patterns and symptoms which may suggest a drinking problem. If any apply to you, Mr Alberquerque advises seeking professional medical help:

• drinking in the daytime on a regular basis

• drinking to relax or feel better or before stressful situations

• drinking to excess or to ‘blackout’ point

• redness of the face, especially the eyes and nose

• numbness and tingling in the hands and feet

• lack of or increased appetite leading to considerable weight loss or weight gain.

Those who have alcohol (and drug) problems can find out more about help available at the Banbury Hub.

Oxfordshire County Council funds Turning Point, a community-based drug and alcohol service for anybody who is struggling with their drug and alcohol use.

“There are a number of approaches to supporting individuals and everyone’s needs are assessed on a case by case basis,” a spokesman said.

“Sometimes, people’s needs can be very complex.

“If appropriate, people may be given the opportunity to attend residential detoxification or rehabilitation facilities to help them recover from using drugs or alcohol.”

The Banbury Hub offers a multitude of support programmes for men and women from considering residential rehab to planning and managing one’s own efforts, with support from experts.

See http://wellbeing.turning-point.co.uk/oxfordshire/ or call 0300 0134 776.

UKAT’s Banbury Lodge opened in March 2018 and has treated 500 people. It is a facility which treats all addiction types, drug, alcohol and process addictions such as eating disorders. All patients live, eat and sleep in the centre. It is a private rehab, meaning patients pay for their treatment there although around 15 per cent of all UKAT patients are paid for by their local authority). See www.ukat.co.uk/alcohol/v7/

What the experts at UKAT say - a national alcohol strategy is needed.

Funding for the fight against alcohol abuse and addiction is not enough and more investment should be made at government level, says Nuno Alberquerque, group treatment lead at addiction firm UKAT which runs the private Banbury rehabilitation clinic, Banbury Lodge.

“The government needs to reinvest in people and provide them with ongoing support,” he said.

Mr Alberquerque said what services there are – daytime drop in centres – don’t work on their own.

“I’ve been working in this area for 20 years. I remember clients who were given a choice of which rehabilitation centre they wanted to go to but now there is nothing at all,” he said.

“There is a big rise in alcohol use. Across our seven centres most come in with alcohol problems. Alcohol is more available – it’s legal and there is less stigma using it than other drugs. The government not having an alcohol strategy doesn’t help.

“Because there is no funding people will try to self medicate which can be dangerous. It is also very dangerous to stop drinking immediately withou t medical help and supervision.

“A shift in mentality has to happen. There are other ways to de-stress. Alcohol is seen as a quick fix but we need to change our habits with regard to relaxation.

“There needs to be better education, awareness and prevention. For each person affected by alcohol there are fathers, sons, husbands, wives and daughters who will be affected by the ramifications.”

Mr Alberquerque said in spite of the worrying NHS statistics he feels optimistic that the trend may swing away from alcohol use as it has with smoking.

Clients at Banbury Lodge spend from four to 12 weeks there on residential programmes. Most are self-funding and a four-week stay will cost around £12,000.

Because people often drink for emotional reasons – often because of childhood issues – (lack of affection, a deficiency in attachment, abuse or trauma) or for more recent traumatic experiences – therapy is important.

Clients are assessed by a doctor and therapist and possibly prescribed medication.

They then have their own integrative programme which may include gym work, yoga, gong-bath sound healing as well as group therapy.

They are encouraged to meditate and undertake writing assignments and they also have visits from family members.

Sometimes family therapy is employed. Drinking can be a systematic problem involving more than just that individual.

A robust care plan involving ongoing support and education is established for the transition back into the world.

“The first thing for anyone with an alcohol problem to do is to see their GP. Don’t stay alone and don’t stop alone,” said Mr Alberquerque.