Alcohol Awareness Week
16th November - 22nd November
This year Alcohol Change UK are focussing on the issues around alcohol and mental health and the best ways to look after ourselves and those we love during a year of great change and uncertainty.
The relationship between alcohol and mental health is complex. Alcohol is sometimes used by people to try and help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression, but excessive drinking is likely to make those symptoms worse. Managing your drinking and getting the right support are crucial to good mental health.
Alcohol and Your Mental Health
Knowing how much is too much can be confusing when it comes to alcohol. Most of us feel that we know when we've overdone it, but sometimes drinking can creep up on us and we find that we're drinking more than we would like.
Support with your drinking
Wherever you live, there will be a service in your area which supports people who are struggling with their drinking. You can access these services in a few key ways:
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Your GP Your GP is your first port of call for alcohol problems. They will be able to provide confidential advice and refer you for extra support. |
Your local authority's website Check on your local authority website to see how you can access your local provider. |
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NHS website There are a number of NHS services directories you can use to find support and treatment services near you: NHS England |
Drinkline Drinkline is a free, confidential helpline for people who are concerned about their drinking, or someone else’s. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm) |
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The Alcoholics Anonymous helpline is open 24/7 on 0800 9177 650. If you would prefer, you can also email them at help@aamail.org or live chat via their website. |
SMART Recovery offers online and in person meetings. You can join a meeting online at smartrecovery.org.uk/online-meeting |
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Al-Anon offers support and understanding to the families and friends of dependent drinkers. You can call their confidential helpline on 0800 0086 811 (open 10am-10pm). |
CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) supports those who feel isolated, anxious, alone or suicidal. You can call the CALM helpline on 0800 58 58 58, available 5pm-midnight. They run a webchat service too from 5pm-midnight. |
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Drink Wise, Age Well helps older adults make healthier choices about their drinking as they age. They offer a webchat tool which provides free support. It’s available Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and 6pm to 9pm. |
Mind helps anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Their helpline is available on: 0300 123 3393, weekdays: 9am-6pm. For more information, visit their website. |
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Nacoa support anyone affected by their parent(s) drinking, including adults. You can visit their website, call them on 0800 358 3456 or email them at helpline@nacoa.org.uk. |
Why not try a Mocktail instead?
Published: Nov 30, 2020