Alcohol: Taking back control, one choice at a time
Many people begin to question their drinking for different reasons.
For some, it’s worries about their health or weight.
For others, it’s the impact n relationships, work, or mood.
And for many, it’s simply the frustration of waking up feeling groggy, sluggish, and not quite themselves.
If you recognise that alcohol sometimes gets in the way of you living the life you want – causing stress, anxiety, low self-esteem or low mood – this programme is designed for you.
My approach focuses on breaking the habitual cycle of drinking and helping you regain a sense of control. Alcohol is often used as an emotional crutch – something to soften stress, numb feelings, or momentarily escape. But drinking is usually a symptom, not a cause. The real driver is the emotional habit underneath it, and the good news is: emotional habits can be unlearned.
I don’t believe that total abstinence is realistic – or even necessary – for most people. Instead, this programme helps you reduce your drinking to a healthier, more moderate level while building a more balanced relationship with alcohol.
Why this matters: The reality of alcohol in the UK
Recent UK research shows:
- 57% of people aged 16+ drink up to 14 units a week.
- 24% regularly drink more than the recommended amount.
- 27% binge drink.
- Alcohol misuse is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health and disability among 15 – 49 year olds.
- Alcohol is one of the top three lifestyle risk factors for disease in the UK (along with smoking and obesity).
- In 2021, there were 9,641 alcohol-specific deaths – the highest on record.
- 8 million people may be unaware of the damage their drinking is causing.
As James Tucker from the Office for National Statistics explains, the sharp rise in alcohol-related deaths since the pandemic is likely linked to increased drinking – especially among those who were already drinking at higher levels beforehand.
The long-term health risks of excessive drinking
Over time, heavy or habitual drinking can lead to serious health and lifestyle problems, including:
- High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease and digestive problems.
- Cancers of the mouth, throat, breast, liver and colon.
- Memory and cognitive issues, including dementia.
- Depression, anxiety and low mood.
- Strained relationships, reduced productivity and work difficulties.
- Dependency or growing reliance on alcohol.
Is alcohol starting to affect your life?
Many people drink out of habit or as a way to unwind. But if any of the questions below strike a chord, it may be time to reassess your relationship with alcohol:
- Is your drinking starting to feel out of control?
- Drinking more than you’d like? Spending more than you want?
- Turning to alcohol out of stress or boredom?
- Gaining weight from drinking?
- Is alcohol affecting your relationships?
- Binge drinking or drinking alone?
- Waking in the night or sleeping poorly because of alcohol?
- Feeling groggy, hungover, or ashamed of how much you drank?
- Struggling to remember parts of the previous night?
- Promising yourself you’ll “drink less this week” – again?
- Worried about long-term health?
- Feeling an overwhelming pull towards alcohol?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, you’re not alone – and it may be the right moment to make a positive change.
Ready to feel more in control?
If it’s time to reset your habits, improve your wellbeing, and build a healthier relationship with alcohol, I’m here to help.