The Pilot Alcohol Cessation Counselling Service, supported by the Department of Health, launched today, providing free counselling for people identified as having probable alcohol dependence.

Under the two-year pilot programme, which is being run by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs), Hong Kong residents identified as having probable alcohol dependence are eligible to receive free counselling. The service includes an initial assessment, evidence-based individual counselling and follow-up evaluation.

Probable alcohol dependence is determined by scoring 20 or above in the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).

Eligible people who are interested to join the programme can call 2884 9876 for enquiries or visit the dedicated TWGHs webpage.

The programme also accepts referrals from medical and social service units in the community.

The Department of Health and TWGHs will closely monitor uptake of the service. Further modes of co-operation with District Health Centres will be explored in the future.

According to the World Health Organization, harmful use of alcohol is a causal risk factor in more than 200 diseases, injuries and other health conditions.

Moreover, the department’s Population Health Survey 2020-22 showed that among those with probable alcohol dependence, 13.2% reported having family or marital problems due to drinking, while 26.7% reported having job or work problems due to it.

The department highlighted that the most effective means to reduce the risk of alcohol-related harms is to avoid alcohol consumption.