Alcohol &
Mental
Health
Around 2 billion people worldwide consume alcohol. Of those, an estimated 76 million people are affected by alcohol misuse disorders.
Here, we highlight some of the effects alcohol can have on our mental health, and provide resources to help overcome alcohol dependence and addiction.
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That's about 1% of
the entire population
of England
589,000
The number of people in England thought to be alcohol-dependent
That's about 10% of
all suicides in England
542
The average number of deaths by suicide in mental health patients per year who also had a history of alcohol abuse, between 2007 and 2017
57%
The proportion of deaths by suicide among UK mental health patients who had a history of drug or alcohol abuse
1 in 3
The proportion of adults with probable alcohol dependence who were receiving treatment and services for their mental or emotional health in 2014
Articles and insights
Resources
Factsheets
Alcohol and your mental health
Alcohol and mental health
Alcohol and your mood
All documents produced and provided by Alcohol Change UK. Find more helpful factsheets to help with alcohol consumption here.
Videos
Our history with alcohol
How alcohol affects the human body
Real-life stories of alcohol abuse and recovery
Podcasts
The Happy Sober Podcast
Weekly episodes from Craig Beck, a leading 'how to stop drinking' mentor which covers a vast range of topics, including how to control alcohol quickly and easily, dealing with your drinking friends and family, and relaxing without a drink.
I'm Quitting Alcohol
I'm Quitting Alcohol is a 5-minute daily podcast by comedian David Boyle. Join Boyle as he transitions from alcoholic maniac to sober lunatic and attempts to process the past 20 years of booze soaked mayhem.
How I Quit Alcohol
In this podcast, Danni Carr talks with ex-binge drinkers, alcoholics in recovery, drug and alcohol counsellors, and people that have good stuff to say about quitting the drink.
Alcohol Alert Podcast
From the UK's Institute of Alcohol Studies, this podcast covers the latest updates on UK alcohol policy matters.
The Alcohol 'Problem' Podcast
Presented by Dr James Morris, the Alcohol 'Problem' Podcast explores the nature of problem drinking through interviews with medical professionals and well-known public figures.
Who to talk to
Your GP is a good place to start if you have issues with alcohol. They will know what support is available locally and can help you with the following:
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A general health check-up or specific medical tests
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Medication and other treatments for other conditions such as depression, anxiety or sleep problems
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Medication to reduce cravings
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Referral to your local treatment service
If you need help to manage your relationship with alcohol, there are many organisations available to guide and support you. All helplines are confidential, and most will be free of charge: