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Alcohol awareness means understanding how alcohol can affect health, wellbeing, habits and daily life.
Although alcohol is often associated with social occasions and everyday routines, its effects can reach much further. Government estimates have previously suggested that around 200,000 children in England live with an alcohol-dependent parent, while alcohol-related harm places significant pressure on NHS services.
Alcohol Awareness Week encourages people to reflect on how much they drink, why they drink and whether small changes could support better long-term wellbeing.
What is Alcohol Awareness Week?
Alcohol Awareness Week is a national campaign that encourages people to think and talk about the role alcohol plays in their lives.
The campaign is led by Alcohol Change UK and is designed to raise awareness of the impact alcohol can have on individuals, families, workplaces and communities. In 2026, Alcohol Awareness Week takes place from 6 to 12 July, with the theme “Alcohol and me”.
The week is not about blame or judgement. It is a chance to reflect on questions such as:
For many people, alcohol awareness starts with simply noticing patterns. That awareness can make it easier to decide whether a change would be helpful.
How much alcohol is too much?
Drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week regularly is above the UK low-risk drinking guideline.
Alcohol units help measure the amount of pure alcohol in a drink. One unit equals 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol.
The number of units in a drink depends on its size and strength. For example, a pint of stronger lager may contain around 3 units, while the same amount of lower-strength lager may contain just over 2 units.
To help keep health risks low, men and women are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units a week. If you drink up to this amount, it is best to spread it across three or more days and include drink-free days where possible.
As a rough guide, 14 units may be equivalent to around six pints of average-strength beer or ten small glasses of lower-strength wine, although the exact number of units depends on the drink’s size and alcohol content.
Signs you may be becoming alcohol dependent
Alcohol dependence can involve a strong, sometimes uncontrollable desire to drink, with alcohol becoming increasingly important in a person’s daily life.
Signs of alcohol dependence include:
Anyone worried about their drinking should speak to a GP or an appropriate support service. People who drink heavily or may be dependent on alcohol should seek medical advice before stopping suddenly, as withdrawal can be harmful.
What are the health risks of alcohol?
Drinking too much alcohol can increase the risk of both short-term harm and long-term health problems.
Regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week can increase the risk of damaging your health. Drinking within the guideline is considered lower risk, but it does not remove all potential health risks.
Over time, regularly drinking above the recommended guideline may increase the risk of:
Drinking too much in a single session can also increase immediate risks, including accidents, injuries, poor judgement and loss of self-control.
The less alcohol someone drinks, the lower their health risks are likely to be. Small changes, such as drinking more slowly, alternating with water or planning drink-free days, can all help reduce risk.
How can alcohol affect everyday life?
Alcohol can affect everyday life by influencing sleep, mood, energy, relationships, concentration and motivation.
The effects are not always obvious straight away. Someone may not feel that alcohol is causing a problem, but may notice that they feel more tired, less focused or more irritable after drinking. Alcohol can also affect the quality of sleep, even if it helps someone fall asleep faster at first.
Alcohol may affect daily life by contributing to:
Some people drink to relax or manage stress, but alcohol can make stress and anxiety harder to manage over time.
These effects can show up at home, socially or at work. The main aim of alcohol awareness is to help people understand their own relationship with alcohol and know where to find support if they need it.
How can you cut down on alcohol?
You can cut down on alcohol by making small, realistic changes to when, why and how much you drink.
It can help to start by writing down why you want to cut down. This might be to improve your sleep, support your health, save money or feel more in control. Noticing your triggers can also make a difference. These might include stress, boredom, social pressure or drinking out of habit.
Planning drink-free days each week can make cutting down feel more manageable. You could also choose smaller servings, such as a small glass of wine, a half pint or a single measure. Low-alcohol and alcohol-free alternatives can be useful too, especially at social occasions.
Alternating alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks can help you drink more slowly. It may also help to only buy the alcohol you plan to drink, rather than keeping extra at home.
If you drink heavily or think you may be alcohol dependent, seek medical advice before stopping suddenly.
What should you do if you are worried about alcohol?
If you are worried about alcohol, a good place to start is by speaking to a GP.
It can feel difficult to ask for help, especially if drinking feels private or sensitive. However, support is available, and seeking guidance early can reduce the risk of alcohol causing further harm.
You may want to seek support if:
Beyond speaking to your GP, specialist helplines, charities and support groups can also provide confidential advice and support. Examples include Drinkline, Alcoholics Anonymous and We Are With You, which offer help for people worried about their own drinking, as well as families and friends affected by someone else’s alcohol use.
If you are concerned about someone else, approach the conversation calmly. Focus on what you have noticed and how they seem to be feeling, rather than making assumptions or accusations.
FAQs
What is alcohol awareness?
Alcohol awareness is understanding how alcohol affects health, wellbeing, behaviour and daily life. It helps people make informed choices and recognise when drinking may be causing harm.
When is Alcohol Awareness Week 2026?
Alcohol Awareness Week 2026 takes place from 6 to 12 July. The campaign is coordinated by Alcohol Change UK and the 2026 theme is “Alcohol and me”.
How many units of alcohol should you drink a week?
Adults are advised not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week on a regular basis. If drinking up to 14 units, the NHS advises spreading this across three or more days.
Can alcohol affect mental health?
Yes, alcohol can affect mental health because it can disrupt sleep, change mood and worsen feelings of anxiety or low mood. Some people use alcohol to cope with stress, which can make it harder to address the underlying issue.
How can I reduce how much alcohol I drink?
You can reduce how much alcohol you drink by tracking your units, planning drink-free days and choosing lower-strength or alcohol-free alternatives. If you are finding it difficult to cut down, speak to a GP or an appropriate support service.