Alcohol

What is it?

Wellbeing Tools

Alcohol can impair judgment & can lead to health issues.
Seek help from trusted adults or support organisations.
It’s okay to say no to alcohol & seek help if needed.

Here's more detail

Published: 26/10/23

Image of a young person with a bottle of alcohol

Alcohol is a substance that can have a significant impact on young people’s lives. Experimenting with alcohol can be tempting, especially in social situations. However, it’s important to understand the potential dangers and consequences associated with drinking. Alcohol can impair judgment, increase the risk of accidents and lead to risky behaviours, including drink driving and unsafe sexual activity. Moreover, long-term alcohol abuse can harm physical and mental health, as well as academic and personal relationships.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use, it’s essential to seek help and support. Talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent, guardian, teacher or school counselor, who can provide guidance and assistance. There are also organisation and support groups available that specialise in helping young people facing alcohol-related issues. Remember that it’s okay to say no to alcohol if you’re not comfortable with it, and it’s also okay to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse

Learn more
Alcohol Change UK says drinking more than the recommended amount of alcohol increases risk of a range of conditions, as well as potentially having knock-on effects in terms of mental health, wellbeing and productivity.
Some people turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with depression, stress, anxiety or other difficult feelings. But relying on alcohol to manage your mental wellbeing can become a problem in itself and can negatively affect your wellbeing.
According to the UK Mental Health Foundation, research shows that people who drink a lot of alcohol are particularly vulnerable to developing mental health problems. Alcohol problems can directly lead to mental health issues, and can also contribute to relationship difficulties, physical health problems and risk-taking behaviour, all of which can in turn negatively affect mental health.
To learn more about alcohol and mental health, click the links below.
Guidance: Alcohol harms
Guidance: Alcohol and mental health
Blog: How drinking affects our mental health
Blog: Giving up alcohol boosted my mental health
Blog: Johnny’s story

Sobriety has allowed me to tackle a lot of deep-rooted issues, I was burying with alcohol. Sobriety, in conjunction with weekly counselling, has restored my faith in myself. I trust myself now, which I never thought I would be able to say.

Pippa

One day at a time, I proved to myself and others that I was stronger than my past.

Johnny

I turned to alcohol as an escape from the pain and to drown my sorrows. What began as a coping mechanism soon became a full-blown problem. I was spiralling out of control, losing my grip on my own life and the things that mattered most to me.

Johnny

With the help of supportive family, friends and services, including cognitive behavioural therapy, I managed to break the cycle and stopped drinking altogether.

Anonymous