09/07/2026
Alcohol Awareness Week 2026
This years theme is 'Alcohol and Me'.
When we think about alcohol, it's easy to focus on how much we drink. But this year's Alcohol Awareness Week asks us to think a little differently.
Alcohol and me.
It's a simple phrase, but it invites an honest question: What place does alcohol have in my life?
As a counsellor, I know that alcohol is rarely just about alcohol. Sometimes it's about finding a way to switch off after a difficult day. Sometimes it's about fitting in, masking anxiety, numbing emotional pain, or simply getting through. For others, it's part of celebration and connection. There isn't one story that fits everyone.
What matters is being honest with ourselves.
Has alcohol become something you depend on more than you'd like? Does it leave you feeling worse rather than better? Is it helping, or has it quietly become another thing you're carrying?
These aren't questions to judge yourself with. They're questions to ask with kindness.
Real change doesn't usually begin with shame. It begins with awareness. With curiosity. With recognising that if something no longer feels right, you don't have to face it alone.
If Alcohol Awareness Week encourages just one person to pause, reflect, or reach out for support, then that conversation is worth having.
Be gentle with yourself. Every positive change starts with one small step.
đź’š If this resonates with you, or someone you care about, know that support is available. You don't have to have all the answers before asking for help.