Alcohol Awareness Week: Alcohol and Me
Alcohol and Me: Understanding Your Relationship with Alcohol
Alcohol can affect everyone differently. This Alcohol Awareness Week, we’re asking people to take the time to reflect on how alcohol impacts their life, as well as practical advice and tips on how to get the right support to reduce their drinking.
What is Alcohol Awareness Week?
Alcohol Awareness Week is an annual campaign held by Alcohol Change UK that aims to encourage people in the UK to reflect on their own drinking and how this might be impacting their lives. This year’s theme is Alcohol and Me, exploring people’s stories with alcohol. Some questions you might want to ask yourself to help with your own reflection can include:
- Why do I drink?
- When do I usually drink?
- How does alcohol make me feel?
- How does drinking affect my health?
- How does it affect my relationships?
- What role does alcohol play in social situations?
We have asked some of the people that we support to write a letter to alcohol, exploring their relationship, feelings and how their lives have been changed.
Check out some of their “Letters to Alcohol” below:
Reflecting on your relationship with alcohol is important, as it can be impacting us in ways we might not realise. Recognising certain signs doesn’t always mean that you have a problem, it might be an opportunity to think about if your drinking habits are working for you. Small changes can have huge positive impacts, and if you need more help, we’re here whenever you are ready.
Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
Tips for drinking less:
- Have alcohol-free days
- Alternate alcoholic and soft drinks
- Try alcohol-free alternatives
- Start a drinks diary
- Eat before drinking
- Set a budget
- Plan activities that don’t involve alcohol
- Keep track of units
Alcohol and driving
- Even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving ability.
- Alcohol slows reaction time and affects concentration and judgment.
- Depending how much you have drank, alcohol may still be in your system from the night before
- The safest choice is not to drink any alcohol before driving.
Alcohol and Other Drugs
In some cases, drinking alcohol whilst taking other drugs (including prescribed medication) can be dangerous, causing unexpected side effects. For example, drinking alcohol alongside taking opiates can increase the risk of overdose. Drinking alcohol alongside taking cocaine can create a third substance known as cocaethylene. This can increase the risk of heart attacks. When drinking, it is best to only stick to alcohol. If you do choose to use drugs alongside alcohol, remember to take it easy. If you are taking prescribed medication, always speak to your doctor first before drinking.
Call to Action
Whether you’re simply curious, thinking about cutting down, or looking for support, every step towards understanding your drinking is a positive one. If you need help, we’re here whenever you are ready. Call us on 0300 026 6666 Email cddars.adult@waythrough.org.uk Or submit an online referral form at