Drinking too much alcohol?

From winding down after a stressful day to socialising and celebrating, alcohol can you make you feel good when consumed in moderation. But sometimes, alcohol can become something you might rely on, or you might be on your 5th drink without realising. We've pulled together some tips, tell-tale signs you might be drinking too much, videos to explain how excessive amounts of alcohol can impact your health and where you can go for support.

Read about Jimmy's experience with drinking too much alcohol Back to My Toolbox

Stuff I can do

Alcohol can be a double edged sword; here are some quick tips to help you with how much you drink.

Buy a soft drink or ask for a tap water (It's free!) with your alcoholic drink.
Fill up on something healthy before you fill up on alcohol. Eating food before drinking and some nibbles in between drinks helps slowdown alcohol being absorbed in your stomach. Just don’t eat too much, projectile vomiting isn’t what we’re trying to achieve here.
Be aware of how much you’re drinking. You can get apps to check how many units you’ve had from what you’ve ordered. It’s ok if you don’t understand units, the apps will do all the maths for you.
Cut down how much you’re drinking…literally! Instead of opting for a pint, try half a pint; it gives you a chance to try other beers and ales. Or just top off your wine with lemonade for a spritzer – this will keep the unit consumption down.

(Source: DrinkAware)

If you want to find out other ways on how to keep your drinking at a healthy level, check out Drink Checker - an online tool to help you with how much alcohol you're drinking.

Early Symptoms

Here are some tell-tale signs that alcohol might be taking control:

You worry about your next drink, and when you’ll get it.
You’ll try to get a party or social gathering organized so that you can also have a drink.
Once you pop, the fun don’t stop. That also applies when you’re drinking – you enjoy the first couple of drinks and find it difficult to stop drinking.
You want a drink when you wake up.
Feeling blue or always worried because you’ve had one too many pints.
You’ve got the shakes from not drinking. You also sweat more and feel sick.

Useful Videos

What is a unit of alcohol?

Effects of alcohol

David's story

Local Help in Buckinghamshire

If you would like support for your alcohol drinking behaviour, please contact the following organisaitons

SMART CJS: 01296 337 717 (Aylesbury) / 01494 474 804 (High Wycombe)

Or speak to your GP

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