Do you have concerns about your alcohol consumption?

The media can portray that university is all about alcohol and drug use. However:

86% of students said that they do not use drugs

32% said that they drink alcohol less than once a week

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But how do you recognise if your alcohol use is becoming problematic?

Here are some things to look out for:

• Your alcohol consumption causes loss of memory

• You are dishonest about your drinking levels to others

• You have trouble concentrating

• Your sleep after drinking is deteriorating

• You drink faster than other people

• You regularly drink more than your friends

• You find you need alcohol to cope with stress

• Your relationships with friends and family are suffering

• You get drunk when you don't mean to

• You miss study or work due to drinking or hangovers

• You have an increased tolerance to alcohol (you have to drink more to get the desired effect)

• You struggle to drink less

• You experience a feeling of guilt or remorse after drinking

• You find you are preoccupied with alcohol or are planning your day around alcohol

• You experience withdrawal symptoms when you haven't been drinking, e.g., swearing, nausea and tremors

• You or someone else has been injured as a result of your drinking

• A relative, friend, doctor or other health worker has been concerned about your drinking and/or suggested that you cut down

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If you answered yes to the above, consider making changes to your drinking levels. Even small changes can make a difference (*if you are drinking daily or experiencing withdrawals please seek medical advice before reducing):

• Choose lower unit drinks

• Two consecutive days drink-free a week – but don’t drink more on others day

• Start the evening slower. Swap every second drink for a non-alcoholic option.

• If you do have a heavy drinking session – avoid alcohol for 48 hours so your body has time to recover

Support Available:

• Find advice to reduce your drinking via Drinkaware here

• Find out the many ways that you can access support, advice or treatment via Drinkaware here.

• Visit the FRANK website

• Visit the NHS Alcohol Support webpage here

•  Find out what support options are available through your university and students' union

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Figures mentioned in the first paragraph come from SOS-UK’s 2021-22 Students, Alcohol and Drugs survey.

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