‘Problem’ drinking, and drug-taking can impact all areas of life, causing physical and mental health problems, work and relationship issues and even crime. Many of the effects of such substance abuse are less obvious, so it can be difficult for family and friends to recognize that someone they love may have a problem.

Some people with problems experience a state of denial in which they too are unaware of the effects that substance use is causing in their life. It is at this point that loved ones need to recognise the symptoms and help them get them the support they need.

This page has links to organisations offering this support, as well as advice and information for parents, families and friends.

Follow this link to "Drink Aware" to check to see if your intake is within the safe limit; get the facts about alcohol and tips for staying safe.

If you regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week, try the following NHS tips to help you cut down.

(14 units is equivalent to 6 pints of average-strength beer or 6 medium glasses of wine.) 

• Make a plan. Before you start drinking, set a limit on how much you're going to drink.
• Set a budget. Only take a fixed amount of money to spend on alcohol.
• Let them know. If you let your friends and family know you're cutting down and it's important to you, you could get support from them.
• Take it a day at a time. Cut back a little each day. That way, every day you do is a success.
• Make it a smaller one. You can still enjoy a drink, but go for smaller sizes. Try bottled beer instead of pints, or a small glass of wine instead of a large one.
• Have a lower-strength drink. Cut down the alcohol by swapping strong beers or wines for ones with a lower strength (ABV in %). You'll find this information on the bottle.
• Stay hydrated. Have a glass of water before you have alcohol and alternate alcoholic drinks with water or other non-alcoholic drinks.
• Take a break. Have several drink-free days each week.

We would like you to be aware that the Chichester Wellbeing Service continues to support our local community in various ways with options that suit the diverse needs of each patient. The wellbeing service offers advice and support for people on how to make small changes to improve health and wellbeing including weight management, emotional wellbeing, alcohol reduction and pre-diabetes. 

Many people need support to reduce their alcohol intake. Our Alcohol Wellbeing Advisor can provide a series of one-to-one sessions to support people who may have been identified by a health professional as drinking at an increased risk level or the individual themselves believe they are drinking at a problematic level and either want to cut down or stop drinking altogether to enjoy a healthier lifestyle. 

Our Alcohol Wellbeing Advisor can offer up to 6-8 one to one sessions where people are encouraged to make positive changes in the here and now, rather than focussing on things that can’t be changed in the past. These free sessions last approximately 45 minutes - either by telephone or online depending on what the client feels comfortable with. Progress will be monitored through a mixture of self-assessment and questionnaires, and we encourage the use of tools such as Drinks Diaries, measuring cups and apps as a way of monitoring how a client is doing.  We discuss tips to reduce alcohol consumption, triggers as to why someone may be drinking more than the governments recommended weekly amount and benefits to our mental and physical health by cutting back. This service is not for patients who are alcohol dependant.

Individuals can self-refer to our service on 01243 521041 or you can email: wellbeing@chichester.gov.uk.