The Veterinary Alcohol Support Project

What Is The Veterinary Alcohol Support Project?

BACKGROUND

• Within UK veterinary practice, alcohol is used to cope with a difficult day, manage a demanding workload, or connect with colleagues and unwind. While these behaviours can feel routine and may be helpful for some, they may also increase the risk of harm to our mental and physical health, social interactions and relationships.

• Alcohol use is linked to poor mental health amongst veterinary workers. Drinking to cope or for pleasure may amplify this relationship. 

• There is currently no veterinary-specific alcohol support for UK veterinary professionals.

THE PROJECT

Olivia Cormier is a vet, currently undertaking a PhD with the aim of improving access and provision of alcohol-related support to veterinary professionals. 

As part of this, a team of psychology researchers from Oxford Brookes University are looking for individuals (over 18) who feel they have consumed alcohol in a way that had a negative impact on their mental or physical health, social life or relationships, whilst working as a UK veterinary professional (veterinary nurse/ veterinarian), to talk confidentially about their experiences and attitudes around seeking support.

For more information, or to TAKE PART, please contact Olivia Cormier: 19175231@brookes.ac.uk or go to our 'Take Part,' page.