Help with alcohol and drugs
Alcohol
Are you worried that coronavirus is making you, or someone you care about, drink too much?
Drinkaware has lots of helpful advice and tips for looking after yourself and your loved ones.
Alcohol facts
What is alcohol and how does it affect you? Get all the facts.
Alcohol and your mental health
People drink alcohol for lots of different reasons. Whatever your reason, drinking alcohol may have a long-term negative effect on you. It may take longer for your mental health to get better if you drink alcohol.
Find more information from Rethink the mental health charity.
If you are struggling with your mental health, visit our taking care of your mind page to find local support services.
What is an alcohol unit?
Drinkaware’s easy-to-understand guide explains alcohol units and measures.
What are the alcohol guidelines for men and women?
You have probably heard about alcohol units, but what does it actually mean for your drinking? Have a look at One You’s handy chart to see how many units are in your drink.
The UK Chief Medical Officers’ guideline for both men and women is that it is safest not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis.
If you regularly drink as many as 14 units per week, it's best to spread your drinking evenly over three or more days.
If you wish to cut down the amount you drink, a good way to help achieve this is to have several drink-free days a week.
What are the health problems caused by drinking alcohol?
Drinking alcohol has a big impact on your health and well-being.
The risk of developing a range of health problems (including cancers of the mouth, throat and breast) increases the more you drink on a regular basis.
How much alcohol do you drink in a week?
Take a anonymous quick quiz to understand your alcohol use
When you’ve answered the questions, you’ll be given advice about alcohol and what to do next.
Worried about how much you drink?
If you’re worried about your drinking and want to make some positive changes, our service run by Grow Change Live is here to help. Cutting down or quitting alcohol can help you to be happier, safer and healthier.
If you are concerned about the amount that you or someone you know is drinking, you can get advice from the NHS website.
Online support to help you cut back on, and track your drinking
If you want to cut back on how much alcohol you drink, this app from the NHS One You service can help you track your drinking and increase your drink-free days.
If you want to change the way you drink, this app from Drinkaware allows you to track how much you drink and spend over time, calculate units and calories and set goals to help you cut down.
Support options for people with alcohol needs in Southwark
Change Grow Live provides local alcohol treatment services for adults in Southwark.
You can also speak to your GP as a starting point; they can discuss your needs and help you to get treatment.
For people with severe and complex alcohol needs, residential rehabilitation, structured day programmes and residential detoxification services are available. Please contact our local alcohol treatment provider Change Grow Live for more information.
Under 25?
If you're a young person aged 10 to 24, you can access support for alcohol use.
Self help
Alcoholics Anonymous offers free, confidential support for anyone who is concerned about their drinking.
Drinkline is a free confidential helpline, which offers information and advice on alcohol to anyone concerned or worried about their own drinking. Also offering advice to family and friends by providing information on the support available. Call 0300 123 1110, weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm.
Page last updated: 23 November 2023
