This week (15 – 21 November) is Alcohol Awareness Week which is all about the link between alcohol and relationships.
Many of us drink alcohol for a variety of reasons; to relax, to socialise, to have fun, to relieve boredom, to cope with problems…but drinking too much can cause or exacerbate all sorts of problems with our physical and mental health and can damage relationships with our family and friends.
For some, alcohol can become a central part of how we socialise with family, friends and partners, and this can stop us from taking action to improve our drinking habits. If a loved one is drinking heavily, it can cause huge worry.
Alcohol is a factor in many cases of child neglect and domestic abuse.
Taking control of your drinking will help you to improve your health and wellbeing and lead to better, happier relationships.
Alcohol Change UK is a leading UK alcohol charity. You can find advice on drinking healthily, a unit calculator, and support Apps for your devices, on their website
Visit the Alcohol Change website (opens new browser tab)
Find out more about drinking healthily
The Alcohol Change UK website has tips for healthier drinking and happier relationships
Read the 8 top tips for healthier drinking, on the Alcohol Change website (opens new browser tab)
Try Dry app
It can be useful to record what you drink to help you understand any patterns. The Try Dry app can help you keep track and drink more healthily
Use the Try Dry app on the Alcohol Change website (opens new browser tab)
Check your units
You can use the Unit Calculator on the Alcohol Change UK website to see how many units are in a particular drink, or to check how much you're drinking.
Use the Unit Calculator on the Alcohol Change website (opens new browser tab)
Check your drinking
Use the Alcohol Change Quick Quiz to check how healthy your drinking is
Take the Quick Quiz on the Alcohol Change website (opens new browser tab)
Finding support
If you’re worried that you’re drinking too much, or have concerns about a family member of friend, there’s support available.
Your GP will be able to provide advice and refer you for extra support
Find out more about getting help and support (opens new browser tab)