The Alcohol Awareness Week blog

Read stories about the lives of those struggling with alcohol and how they’ve managed to make a change for the better, and find out about the changes and activities that are taking place across the country to raise awareness of the many harms caused by alcohol for Alcohol Awareness Week.

Loading results...

Gary's story: "The cost-of-living crisis has created an environment full of challenges"

Gary | July 2023 | 8 minutes

Gary used alcohol to try and cope with his financial anxieties.

Group of friends socialising in back garden together

Eyes wide open: The cost of alcohol

Dr Richard Piper | July 2023 | 11 minutes

Alcohol Change UK wants to see a Britain with alcohol but without serious alcohol harm.

Close up of a man checking receipt in the supermarket after making purchases at checkout

Press release: The average drinker spends an estimated £62,899 on alcohol over the course of a lifetime

June 2023 | 10 minutes

A new survey, commissioned by charity Alcohol Change UK, shows the average drinker in the UK spends around £62,899 on alcohol over the course of a lifetime.

Clare’s story: “I knew that alcohol would soon cost me everything if I didn’t stop.”

Clare | June 2023 | 9 minutes

In this blog, Clare shares her experiences of going into rehab and how supporting people before they reach crisis point can be beneficial for us all.

Mark's story: "I like the clarity of being sober."

Mark | June 2023 | 8 minutes

After a long period of questioning his relationship with alcohol, Mark, aged 35, woke up on the morning of 2 May 2022 with a terrible hangover for the very last time.

Three generations enjoying papaya on a sunny day in their garden at home

Top ten alcohol-free drinks for the summer

June 2023 | 9 minutes

As the weather gets warmer, we’re all on the lookout for something cool to enjoy in the summer sun.

Mental Health Awareness Week: mental health and alcohol

Maddy Lawson | May 2022 | 12 minutes

Managing your drinking is a key part of looking after your mental health, so for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week we've brought together stories, tips and information about alcohol and mental health.

Press release: Is your drinking putting your health and relationships at risk?

November 2021 | 14 minutes

A new survey, commissioned by charity Alcohol Change UK, shows around one in five drinkers (22%) have drunk to try to cope with relationship problems in the past six months, or because of an argument with a family member (20%).

Stuart’s story: “I knew that if I didn't try to get some sort of help, I'd drink myself to death”

Stuart | November 2021 | 10 minutes

Previously I'd not really gone public about my alcohol issues and why I've decided to go sober, but I thought if someone can relate with what I've been through, my story might help them.

Lucy’s story: “I’ve realised I can’t ‘fix’ my mum”

Lucy | November 2021 | 8 minutes

My mum is kind, caring, funny, a little shy and the most supportive mum you could wish for.

Shaena’s story: “Don’t your parents mind that you drink? Mine would kill me if they saw me drinking.”

Shaena | November 2021 | 10 minutes

In this blog, Shaena shares her experiences of being an Indian woman who drank too much, and how her family helped her make a change.

Time for fathers to lead the way in changing attitudes to drinking within the Punjabi community

Professor Sarah Galvani | November 2021 | 11 minutes

Drinking alcohol within the Punjabi culture is embedded in history and passed down through generations.