Alcohol and substances
We're not here to shame anyone into doing something they aren't comfortable with. However, if you would like to reduce or stop your alcohol intake or smoking habit, here are some resources to help you out. Plus, we are highlighting some of the risks associated with different substances.
Making healthier choices
New research suggests that eight out of ten UK adults have been inspired by the coronavirus pandemic to make at least one change to their health and wellbeing in 2021, by taking a more positive approach to their lifestyle. With both drinking and smoking habits having crept up during the pandemic, cutting back on your alcohol and cigarettes could be just the step you need to see short and long-term improvements in your overall health and wellbeing. But you're not alone in that. Our experts are here to support you.
Know your alcohol
Recommended apps
There are a variety of free apps available that help you to track your drinking if you'd like to change the way you drink. They can calculate how many units are in a particular drink helping you to stay within the recommended weekly amount of 14, as well as tracking your consumption over time and letting you set goals to help moderate your drinking.
Browse recommended apps here
Our 'Alcohol and Me' webinars
Has your drinking crept up during lockdown and you’d like to cut back? Are you curious to learn more about the impact alcohol has on your physical and mental health? Did you miss Dry January but would still like to take positive action towards improving your drinking habits? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you’re not alone. And if so, you may wish to watch our ‘Alcohol and Me’ webinar, featuring expertise from our Psychological and Nursing teams.
View resources to accompany the webinar here.
Substances: know the dangers
When medically prescribed, some substances can be beneficial to our health. However, when used inappropriately, they're very dangerous. We are highlighting some of the risks associated with combining different substances and directing you to more specialist support services.
Read more about substances
Want to quit smoking?
Would you like to make a positive change to your health and wellbeing by quitting smoking? If so, we applaud you and we're here to support you. With nearly a third of smokers saying they've increased their daily smoking since before the pandemic, we know how tough you may find quitting. But taking this step for the benefit of your present and future health could just be the best thing you'll ever do for yourself.