If you think you have a problem with alcohol the first big step is to acknowledge it and seek help. This realisation that you may have a problem with alcohol and are in need of support can come from the frequent need to have a drink, it could also be through other people who perhaps highlight or warn you about how much you’re drinking, or you yourself identifying that your levels of drinking are causing you problems.
Often people can be unsure about whether their drinking habits are healthy or unhealthy. One way to approach this is to monitor your drinking and to know how many units of alcohol you are having. With so many different drinks, glass sizes ranging from shots to pints, small to large, then the addition of bottles, it is so easy to get confused with how many units are in your drink.
The number of units in a drink is based on the size of the drink as well as the alcohol strength. Knowing your units can help towards you staying in control of your drinking. The current recommendations are that you are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis.
An easy and quick approach to keep a check on your alcohol unit intake could be to use the Alcohol Change UK’s unit calculator this can really help to monitor how many units you’re having per week.
Alcohol and drinking not only affects you, but it can affect others around you as well. It can seriously damage your relationships, your friendships, and your work life. Often people think that their problem isn’t that bad, or that they are hiding it or managing it. There can be thoughts such as “It was a one off and won’t happen again” but often this isn’t the case and it can and does have a negative effect on those around you and first and foremost on yourself.
Behaviours such as using drugs, drinking excessively and substance abuse can all be used as coping mechanisms, these can be used to block out difficult issues such as stress, emotional issues, and professional pressures.
Low alcohol and alcohol-free drinks are an option for those who don’t drink alcohol or for those trying to reduce their intake or stop completely. These options can be considered as ways to help improve and support our physical and mental well-being. Being mindful of the effects Alcohol can have on our body and mind, especially when increased levels are consumed, can be a starting point in thinking consciously about our own personal relationships with Alcohol.
Staying aware that drinking alcohol can often impair our judgment which can at times impact our ability to communicate effectively and make sensible and safe and safe decisions. Low and Non-Alcoholic drink options are now sold now in most mainstream supermarkets. Whether for yourself, a grift or to consume at a special occasion, there are many low and non-alcoholic options available.
