So this Alcohol Awareness Week we’re inviting a different conversation and asking: how might alcohol truly be impacting our lives and what can we do about it?

Whether it’s sleepless nights, low energy, increased anxiety or a lingering sense of feeling not quite right, alcohol can affect us in ways we don’t always realise, having a knock on effect on our health and wellbeing, our relationships, our productivity, and those we love. It can also put us at real risk of developing many other long-term health conditions such as liver disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and cancer.  Alcohol Awareness UK.

If you don’t drink a lot at one time, you might not think there’s any need to change your drinking habits. But drinking “little and often” can still mean the units rapidly add up. 

 Click here to check out Drink Aware's definition of a unit measure of alcohol.

Have you ever been a Sober Shamer?  Have you ever responded with the following when someone says no to a drink.

“But it’s my birthday, you *have* to have a drink!”

“You’re not drinking? Why?!”

“Oh go on, just have one!”

“Don’t be boring!” 

Sober shaming is making someone feel uncomfortable for not drinking. When we sober shame, we make others feel like their decision not to drink is wrong, boring, or even offensive. Not drinking alcohol – whether for an evening, a month or long-term – should be a decision we can all make freely, that others respect. When we sober shame, we make that decision much harder, and contribute to a culture where drinking is the default, not a choice.

Check out 'Let's Stop Sober Shaming' with Alcohol Change UK here where you'll find tips and tools to support yourself  and anyone who chooses not to drink alcohol.