In a world where alcohol is often made to feel central to everyday moments – from birthdays and barbecues to nights in front of the TV and celebrations with friends – this year Alcohol Change UK’s campaign invites people to pause and reflect on the role that alcohol is playing in our lives.
Around 10 million of us are regularly drinking alcohol in ways that can harm our health and wellbeing. While alcohol can often feel normal, expected and woven into daily life, it can affect us in ways we do not always recognise. From disrupted sleep and low energy to increased anxiety, stress and feeling less present in our relationships and day-to-day lives. Over time, alcohol can also increase the risk of serious health conditions including liver disease, high blood pressure, stroke and several types of cancer.
This year’s Alcohol Awareness Week aims to normalise checking in with our drinking in the same way we keep track of other aspects of our health and wellbeing, such as visiting the dentist, monitoring our blood pressure or getting our eyes tested.
Through Alcohol Change UK’s free and confidential ’Check your drinking’ quiz, people can better understand their drinking patterns, alcohol risk level and what steps, if any, they may want to take next. Take the quiz here.
Get Support to Drink Less
Need a little help staying on track with your drink less goals? The NHS Drink Free Days app, which is free to download and use, can help you manage your drinking.
The app is designed to help you track and reduce the amount of alcohol you drink by encouraging you to set and stick to alcohol-free days each week.
It offers practical support, helpful reminders, and celebrates your milestones, helping you achieve your goals – which might include feeling healthier, losing weight, saving money, and improving your sleep.
To download the app visit Google Play or App Store. Get started today so you can get healthier and feel better!
For those who need more specialised advice and support, confidential help is available in Knowsley. If you’re concerned about your own drinking, or worried about a family member or friend, Change, Grow, Live offers dedicated, free support. They even provide free liver screening as part of a liver health check during assessment.
For more information visit the Change, Grow, Live website, phone 0151 482 6291 or email Knowsley@cgl.org.uk
It is easy to take part in Alcohol Awareness Week. Join the official Alcohol Change UK campaign by:
- Taking Alcohol Change UK’s free and confidential “Check your drinking” quiz
- Sharing your experiences, events and activities on social media using the hashtag #AlcoholAwarenessWeek and tagging @AlcoholChangeUK
- Using Alcohol Change UK resources to start conversations and raise awareness in your community
- Reflecting on your own relationship with alcohol and the role it plays in your life
Get involved with the campaign