It is Alcohol Awareness Week 2024, running from 1-7 July. The aim for this week is to raise awareness of the harm caused by alcohol and learn more about the role that alcohol plays in our society.

Alcoholchange.org.uk has created a short video exploring the centre-stage role that alcohol plays in our lives and in our society, and how we can work together to change that. Please watch the video below:

Are you worried about how healthy your drinking is?

You can check below by taking Alcohol Change’s quick drinking quiz:

Tips for cutting down on alcohol

1. Think and drink in units
   The UK’s Chief Medical Officers recommend not drinking more that 14 units a week - that is equal to about 6 pints of normal strength beer or 1.5 bottles of wine per week. Use a unit calculator to help you work out exactly what you are drinking

2. Have a few alcohol-free days each week
   This is a good way to cut down and give your body a rest, boost your immune system and improve your mental health and wellbeing, and save money

3. Keep Track
   Recording what you drink for a few weeks will help you to understand your drinking pattern, so you can decide if you want to make a change

4. Choose a smaller glass and lower ABV (strength)
   This can be a helpful way to cut down

5. Set a limit
   Decide what you want to drink in advance and stick to your plan

6. Practice your drink refusal skills
   Plan what you will say if you are offered a drink, and say it with confidence

7. Try drinking low-alcohol and no-alcohol alternatives
   Swap your usual tipple with an alcohol-free alternative. Alcohol-free beers, ciders, wines and spirits are now widely available

8. It’s fine to say ‘No’
   Not everyone drinks alcohol, and it’s fine to say no

9. Pace yourself
   Enjoy each drink slowly, and remember that you don’t have to join in every time someone else decides to drink

10. Eat before and while you drink
    Having something to eat before drinking, and if possible, whilst drinking, will slow down the alcohol being absorbed into your bloodstream

11. Ask for help!
    If you feel your drinking is getting out of control, ask for help! There is nothing to be ashamed of; lots of people struggle with alcohol at some point in their lives and need support to turn things around. Contact your GP or your local alcohol service.