With the sunshine comes the temptation to indulge - after all, sun and cocktails often go hand in hand. But as part of Alcohol Awareness Month, we're here to remind people that drinking should be performed in moderation.
What is Alcohol Awareness Week?
Alcohol Awareness Week is a health initiative designed to increase understanding of alcohol-related harm and promote access to support and information. It is led in the UK by the charity Alcohol Change UK and observed by health organisations, schools, workplaces, and community groups. Each year, the campaign focuses on a different theme — such as mental health, stigma, or recovery — to explore how alcohol intersects with broader societal issues.
Recommendations
The NHS recommends drinking no more than 14 units a week, spread over 3 days or more. The ONS (2018) reported that 24% of people in Great Britain drink over the recommended limits. As well as drinking within the recommended 14 units per week it’s also important to have a few alcohol-free days in each week.
There is lots of help and advice on cutting down alcohol intake, the NHS have developed an app, ‘Drink Free Days’ and there are lots of useful tips on their website.
Excessive alcohol intake can impact all aspects of life and reducing weekly intake can have lots of short- and long-term benefits which include:
| Short Term | Long Term | |
| Feel better in the morning More energy Feel less tired Save money Better skin | Better skinLower blood pressure Lower cholesterol Lower risk of some cancers, liver disease - Improved mood Improved quality of sleep Weight loss |
Reducing alcohol intake is a lifestyle change that everyone can make to positively impact their health.
Resources:
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/drink-less/
https://alcoholchange.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/alcohol-awareness-week-1
