Alcohol Awareness Week

Today marks the start of Alcohol Awareness Week (16 – 22 November).

Let’s get thinking about our drinking! This week is all about awareness-raising, campaigning for change and more.

This year’s theme is ‘Alcohol and mental health’, which focusses on the best ways to look after ourselves and our loved ones during a year of great change and uncertainty.

It’s a chance for everyone to have the conversation around drinking, recognising unhealthy patterns of drinking, the impact it has on us and breaking down the shame and stigma in relation to alcohol problems.

When things get tough, we can find ourselves turning to alcohol to cope. What you might not realise is drinking too much and too often can make mental health problems – such as stress, anxiety or depression – a lot worse.

We want to encourage everyone to use this week as a chance to start the conversation. Let people know if they need help they’re not alone and shouldn’t feel ashamed.

If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, there are support options available on the Alcohol Change UK website. Here, you can also find alcohol facts and take part in a short alcohol and mental health quiz.