If you're worried about your drinking, or someone else's, support is available.
Check your drinking
DrinkCoach is a free online service that helps you understand your drinking habits and provides personalised advice. If you need more support, you'll be signposted to local alcohol services.
Check your drinking with DrinkCoach
Alcohol guidelines
To reduce the health risks associated with alcohol, the UK's Chief Medical Officer recommends that men and women:
- drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week
- spread their drinking over 3 or more days
- avoid drinking large amounts in one session
- eat before or while drinking
- drink water alongside alcohol
- avoid alcohol during pregnancy
Read the NHS recommended alcohol guidelines.
How to calculate alcohol units.
Ways to drink less
You do not have to be a heavy drinker to benefit from drinking less. Small changes can improve your health and help you save money.
Find ways to drink less and learn about the benefits of cutting down.
You may also find it helpful to:
- keep a diary of what and when you drink
- avoid buying rounds
- have alcohol-free days
- choose smaller drinks, such as halves instead of pints or smaller glasses of wine
- eat before drinking
- try low-alcohol drinks
- take part in challenges such as Dry January or Go Sober for October
Get support
If you are worried about your drinking, you can:
- find substance misuse treatments in Lambeth.
- find personal advice online, including tips for cutting down and additional support on DrinkCoach.
- call the Alcoholics Anonymous national helpline free on 0800 9177 650 or find your local Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.
- have a free and confidential online web chat with a real person who understands the problems you are facing with Drink Wise Age Well.
Young people can obtain drug and alcohol support by visiting CGL Lambeth.