NSW Health has launched a free program to help people reduce their alcohol consumption.
The reduction program includes 10 coaching calls and alcohol-related education, management and goal-setting strategies.
Executive director of the Centre for Population Health, Jo Mitchell, says the Get Healthy Service is for anyone who wants to break bad habits and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
“Participants can set a weight, healthy eating, physical activity or alcohol reduction related goal,” she said.
“Unhealthy alcohol use has significant short and long-term health implications, including injuries and chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, mental health problems, liver diseases, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
“The social cost of alcohol abuse in NSW is estimated to be $3.87 billion per year.”
Designed for people aged 18 years and older, the program is aimed at people wanting to reduce risk factors for chronic disease, maintain a healthy weight and achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Participants will be screened for their alcohol risk at the time of enrolment using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, an internationally validated screening tool.
To ensure safe clinical practice, people who are drinking harmful levels of alcohol will be referred to appropriate specialist services.