With many England fans getting fully involved in the World Cup across pubs and at home this summer, the charity and alcohol-free coalition is warning that a short break from drinking will not allow enough time for recovery, encouraging a three-month break instead.
The advice comes as data analysed by Ripple Suicide Prevention Charity and wellbeing advocate Alex Clapp outlined that those who enter rehab for a duration of three months are four times as likely to recover first-time than those who enter for just one. With one month proving insufficient for real change in clinical conditions, the charity is warning that England fans really wanting to feel the impact of a detox will need to abstain from drinking for at least 3 months.
The charity which deploys innovative technology to intercept harmful online searches into suicide, self-harm, alcoholism and more, has collaborated with Alex Clapp to raise awareness of the relationship between suicide and alcohol misuse. According to the ONS people with drug or alcohol dependence are up to fourteen times more likely to die by suicide, highlighting the tragically close relationship between alcohol dependency and suicide.
In the midst of a hot summer and a World Cup year that is driving more people to participate in social drinking activities, the partnership is seeking to encourage England fans to attempt a three-month stint off alcohol while normalising alcohol-free alternatives and events into the autumnal months.
Alice Hendy MBE, Founder and CEO of Ripple Suicide Prevention, said:
“The relationship between suicide, depression and alcohol misuse is well documented and often culminates in a vicious cycle of self-medication to relieve some of the emotions related to trauma or ongoing mental health issues. In a culture that centres social and cultural events around drinking, England fans have been enjoying a rollercoaster World Cup and may well be feeling the effects of a summer in the beer garden. Many of us may be taking the next couple of weekends off the drink but the sad reality is that an extended time without alcohol is the only way to make a difference. With the evidence suggesting three months’ worth of abstinence is beneficial, we encourage the public to make real changes to their drinking habits and not use one or two weekends of abstinence to allow for a summer of misuse.”
Alex who recently celebrated three years of sobriety came close to taking his own life after he became fully dependant on alcohol. Using his own platform to normalise alcohol-free events and choices, he is working with Ripple Suicide Prevention to highlight the strong relationship between suicide risk and alcohol misuse.
Alex Clapp, alcohol-free pioneer and founder of wellbeing organisation Claritee Group, said:
“Mental health affects us all-in one-way shape or form through our lives and using Alcohol to cope or to run away from problems is not a healthy choice and can lead to created lasting issues.
I can say from personal experience that I make better choices when I have not had a drink, but I also know how difficult it can be to make that positive change. It’s one of the core reasons why I setup Claritee Circle, providing people with resources, places and inspiration to be able to deal with challenges in a different way and hopefully changing their lives.”
Ripple technology is deployed across more than 750 organisations globally, helping to intercept searches into everything from suicide, self-harm, alcohol and drug misuse and many more. Protecting over 1.9m people from online harm, the charity is seeking to raise additional awareness of the impact that alcohol misuse can have influencing suicide and the steps that can be taken to find support.
For immediate mental health support, readers can find some helpful resources below:
- Samaritans – 24/7 confidential support: Call 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org
- Shout – Text-based support: Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 (available 24/7)
- Mind – Mental health information and support: www.mind.org.uk