16th November 2020
It’s been a challenging year and it’s no wonder that many of us are feeling a little more stressed and anxious than usual. This can cause our drinking to creep up. So this Alcohol Awareness Week we’re talking about the issues and sharing information and advice on the best ways to look after ourselves and those we love during this difficult time.
Many of us have found the last eight months difficult. A poll released earlier this year from Alcohol Change UK showed that more than a quarter (28%) of people who have ever drunk alcohol think they have been drinking more during lockdown. And as lockdown eased over the summer, two in three (66%) expected to continue drinking as they had been during lockdown.
What’s more, one in five (19%) of those surveyed said they had drunk alcohol as a way to handle stress or anxiety during lockdown. Of those who drank more heavily during lockdown (nine plus units on each drinking day), 40% had drunk as a response to stress or anxiety.
But it’s more important than ever to look after your health and wellbeing and maintain a happy, healthy relationship with alcohol.
Drinking alcohol can impact your health in many different ways including increasing the likelihood of accident or injury. It can also lead to serious health issues like cancer, stroke and heart disease. The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk.
It is known that alcohol can reduce the immune system’s ability to fight off infectious diseases and have an impact on the health of your heart and lungs. Choosing to cut back on how much you drink can help you lead a happier, healthier life and may also help reduce related health risks and complications linked to Coronavirus.
Information
Find ways to drink more healthily and look after your mental health here. Want some inspiration?…Read stories about the lives of those struggling with alcohol and how they’ve managed to make a change for the better here.
The good news is that being in control of our drinking can improve our mental health, and there are plenty of techniques out there for taking control if your drinking has got a bit out of hand.
To understand more about your units, calories in drinks and setting a booze budget click here.
Drink free days
Perhaps you find yourself drinking more often than you want? Why not Choose your Drink Free Days and get reminders, support and practical advice to change your drinking habits for good – check out the Drink Free Days App.
Try Dry for a month
Millions of people take part in Dry January, but you can go dry anytime and feel the benefits! Why not make a pledge to have a dry month now?
Support
If you are feeling anxious, low or experiencing any other symptoms of mental health problems, or you think that you are drinking too much, you deserve support.
- There is no shame in asking for help. If you’re struggling to control your drinking, or you would like to talk to someone about getting some support, here is a list of organisations offering remote services. Or call DRINKLINE FREE on 0300 123 1110
- For alcohol advice and support click here.
- Perhaps a loved one or a friend drinks too much – check out alcohol concern for some tips to support loved ones and yourself. Adfam and Al-anon can also provide information and support.
- If you have been struggling with your relationship with alcohol for some time then consider speaking with your GP. Your GP may suggest different types of assessment and support options available to you, such as from local community alcohol services (see below).
Local alcohol support services
To find out which alcohol support services are local to you then please click here or check out the below links for South Yorkshire.
- Barnsley – Recovery Steps Service delivered by Humankind
- Doncaster – Aspire Drug and Alcohol Services
- Rotherham – Rotherham Drug & Alcohol Recovery Service delivered by Change Grow Live
- Sheffield – Sheffield Alcohol Service
Don’t forget, if you’re finding things difficult at the moment, you can access the SYFR Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) FREE & CONFIDENTIAL HELPLINE on 0800 030 5182.
