Resources > Healthy Body

Alcohol

Find out about alcohol, drinking sensibly, and getting support for alcohol abuse.

Am I drinking too much alcohol?

Alcohol misuse is when you drink in a way that's harmful, or when you're dependent on alcohol.

You might drink more alcohol than you mean to, which can increase your chances of health risks.

The good news is that there is lots of information and support available if you decide to reduce your alcohol intake.

Woman sitting at a wooden table in a dimly lit bar, holding glasses of beer.

If you are physically dependent on alcohol, for example, you need a drink first thing in the morning to stop withdrawal symptoms, you should not completely stop drinking as it is dangerous. This would put you at risk of having a seizure and / or other withdrawal symptoms.

Talk to your GP or your local community alcohol service who will be able to support you to reduce your drinking safely.

Do the Alcohol Change UK quiz to check your drinking

Health advice about drinking alcohol

Four smartphone screens showing features of the app for managing drinking habits, including drink tracking, planning drink-free days, setting goals, and accessing support.

No one can say that drinking alcohol is safe, but there are some things you can do to drink alcohol as safely as possible.

Drink less than 14 units of alcohol a week – use the MyDrinkaware app to keep track of your units.
Try and spread these units across the week.

Try to drink as little as possible as any alcohol increases your risk of cancer and other diseases.
Try to have a few alcohol-free days a week.
Do not drink if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant to keep your baby safe.

Get support with alcohol

If you are worried about your or someone else’s drinking, you can speak to our local specialist support service called Aspire, run by Change Grow Live.

If you are dependent on alcohol, do not stop drinking completely immediately as this can be very dangerous and can kill you. Talk to Change Grow Live who can support you to stop drinking safely.