No judgement here

Drinking too much

When the drink is doing more than you'd like.

You're not alone

Plenty of people wonder whether they're drinking too much, especially once it's become the way to wind down or get through. Asking the question at all takes some honesty. Small changes are more doable than they feel right now.

What can help

• Notice the pattern without beating yourself up. When do you reach for it, and what's it doing for you? An honest answer is the start.
• Put a few alcohol-free days in the week. Even two makes a difference to how you sleep and feel.
• Find another way to take the edge off. A walk, a call to a mate, a proper break. The drink is usually doing a job, like helping you switch off, and something else can do that job too.
• Tell someone you trust. Keeping it secret makes it feel bigger than it is.
• The Alcohol Drug Helpline (0800 787 797) is free, confidential and won't judge you, any time of day or night.