We provide a range of support and information for alcohol use dependent on your level of need. You can find out more by completing an online referral, or giving us a call on 01983 526654.

There is lots of information about alcohol risks and self-help tips available online with some really useful tools and websites (see here for some ideas).

How much is too much?

Do you ever wake up the morning after you’ve been drinking unable to remember what has happened the night before, or in the dog-house with no-one speaking to you? Most people drink with the aim of unwinding or having positive, fun times and never intend to experience any of the own sides. When drinking starts to have negative impacts is it time to do something different? Drinking in excess can impact on your relationships, your employment and your health, it could even prevent you from doing what you want to do, or result in you getting into trouble.

If you would like to complete a short online drink questionnaire which asks you questions about how often and how much you drink try this onlinetracker.

The Chief Medical Officer in the UK advises that people should not regularly drink more than the lower risk guidelines of 2-3 units of alcohol for both men and women (equivalent to a pint of 4% beer or 175 ml glass of wine).

Regularly means drinking everyday or most days of the week.

Stick to these guidelines and you are what the government defines as a lower risk drinker. The same guidelines state that regularly drinking over them puts you at an increasing risk of developing health problems, and if the amount you’re drinking is usually double or more than the guidelines you are putting yourself at a higher risk of developing health problems.

If you think your drinking puts you into the increasing risk or higher risk categories, it could be time to re-think your relationship with alcohol.

Making some small simple steps around your alcohol use and taking some time to think around your drinking can help so use this link to find out more.

Here are some basic tips to help you reduce your alcohol use:

  • Keep a drinks diary (we can provide you with one just ask)
  • Do not stop drinking suddenly if you are physically dependant
  • Try drinking something with a lower alcohol strength than ususal
  • Dilute your drinks…. ‘shandy is handy’
  • Space your drinks out – try making them last longer or have a non-alcoholic drink in between them
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Eat regularly
  • Do not drink and drive
  • Try not to use drugs if you are drinking (especially Cocaine or Benzo’s)