Alcohol Awareness Week

Campaign for Change

It's Alcohol Awareness Week, which runs from the 16-22 November 2020. This yearly campaign helps raise awareness and supports campaigns for change, and more. The relationship between mental health and alcohol is complex. A Lot of us use alcohol to try to help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety, but using alcohol to mask those issues often leads to alcohol abuse.

Realising that you have a problem with alcohol is the first big step to getting help.

When Should I Seek Help?
You May Need Help If

  • You tend to get into trouble if you have been drinking
  • You often feel the need to have a drink and rely on it
  • You think your drinking is causing you problems, mentally and physically
  • Others warn you about how much you're drinking

Where Can I Get Help?
Free Alcohol Support

There are a lot of free resources for alcohol self-help. But we understand that sometimes helping yourself just isn’t enough. A good place to begin would be by booking a GP appointment and discussing your concerns with a trained professional. It is important to be as honest and accurate about how much alcohol you consume and any problems that it may be causing you.

Your GP should be able to suggest different approaches and types of assessments to help define the issue more conclusively. As well as pointing you in the right direction for support, such as local community alcohol services.

What If I Have Become Dependant On Alcohol?
Free Alcohol Advice

If you have become dependent on alcohol, you will have found it difficult to control your drinking habits in some way which means that you will most likely need some help to either cut down and control your drinking or stop completely.

The good news is that there are so many free resources available, that can help you on your way to being alcohol-free! For example, there are free local support groups and other alcohol counselling that may suit you and your needs - Find alcohol support services in your area.
 

Should I Stop Drinking Completely? 
Advice On How Quit Alcohol

If you have become dependent on alcohol, quitting fast can be dangerous. It is important to follow the advice of a trained professional. You should get advice about this and about any medicine you may need in order to quit safely and successfully.

What Withdrawal Symptoms May I Experience?
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

If you have become reliant on alcohol, and try to stop drinking overnight you may experience the below withdrawal symptoms:

  • anxiety after waking

  • sweating and tremors

  • nausea or retching in the morning

  • vomiting

  • hallucinations

  • seizures or fits

If you experience any of the above, you should seek help and advice from a trained professional. These alcohol withdrawal symptoms suggest you may need medicine to aid you during your journey.
 

Did you know that 20 people die as a result of their drinking every day? 

It's Alcohol Awareness Week! Across the week we'll be sharing information and advice about the links between alcohol and mental health. At a time like no other, looking after our mental health has never been greater. Stand with us this year to campaign for change with https://alcoholchange.org.uk/.


Useful contacts for alcohol problems:

  • Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline. If you're worried about your own or someone else's drinking, you can call this free helpline in complete confidence. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm).
     

  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free self-help group. Its "12 step" programme involves getting sober with the help of regular support groups.
     

  • Al-Anon Family Groups offers support and understanding to the families and friends of problem drinkers, whether they're still drinking or not. Alateen is part of Al-Anon and can be attended by 12- to 17-year-olds who are affected by another person's drinking, usually a parent.
     

  • We Are With You is a UK-wide treatment agency that helps individuals, families and communities manage the effects of drug and alcohol misuse.
     

  • Adfam is a national charity working with families affected by drugs and alcohol. Adfam operates an online message board and a database of local support groups

  • The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa) provides a free, confidential telephone and email helpline for children of alcohol-dependent parents and others concerned about their welfare. Call 0800 358 3456 for the Nacoa helpline.

  • SMART Recovery groups help people decide whether they have a problem, build up their motivation to change, and offer a set of proven tools and techniques to support recovery

 

Caring for an alcoholic? Find out where you can get support.