Around 2 billion people worldwide consume alcohol. Of those, an estimated 76 million people are affected by alcohol misuse disorders. In honour of Dry January, we're bringing attention to the issues alcohol can have on our mental health.
We want to change the conversation about the effects of alcohol on mental health. So this Dry January, we're doing something we've never done before: fundraising!
Unlike the usual Dry January challenge of not drinking any alcohol for 30 days, we're fundraising a bit differently. We're raising awareness of the number of people in England who start treatment for alcohol abuse who also have a mental health issue every year. Last year, that number was 30,409.
To bring attention to this number, each member of our team will be walkinga total of30,409 metresevery week(about 4.3 km every day)over the month of January and we're looking to raise £500. If you would like to help us reach our target, you can contributehere.
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
Those who can help if you are worried about alcohol.
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:
A general health check-up or specific medical tests
Medication and other treatments for other conditions such as depression, anxiety or sleep problems
Medication to reduce cravings
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:
About:Free, confidential phone and email helpline for children of alcohol-dependent parents and others concerned about their welfare.
Telephone: 0800 358 3456 Website:https://nacoa.org.uk/
About:Confidential information, advice and support for anyone concerned about alcohol and illegal drugs.
Telephone: 0300 123 6600 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Website: https://www.talktofrank.com/
About:Offers support and understanding to the families and friends of problem drinkers. Alateen is part of Al-Anon and can be attended by 12- to 17-year-olds who are affected by another person's drinking, usually a parent.
Telephone: 0800 0086 811 Email:helpline@al-anonuk.org.uk Website:https://www.al-anonuk.org.uk/
About: Drinkaware provides an online instant messaging service called Drinkchat which uses trained professionals from the national alcohol support service, Drinkline. You can speak to someone at Drinkchat between 9am-2pm on weekdays. Telephone: 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm)
Website:https://drinkaware.co.uk/
About: A national charity working with families affected by drugs and alcohol. Adfam operates an online message board and a database of local support groups. Website:https://adfam.org.uk/
About: Helps people decide if they have a problem, build up their motivation to change, and offer a set of proven tools and techniques to support recovery. Website:https://smartrecovery.org.uk/
About:If you live in Wales, you can contact the DAN 24/7 alcohol and drug any time of the day or night.
Telephone: 0808 808 2234 or text DAN to 81066 Website:https://dan247.org.uk/
About:A national charity that supports anyone concerned about someone else’s alcohol or drug use in Scotland. The helpline is open from 9am-11pm on weekdays with a call-back service on weekends.
Telephone: 08080 10 10 11 Website:https://www.sfad.org.uk/
