Alcohol Awareness Week 2026: Alcohol and Me

Alcohol Awareness Week (6–12 July 2026) is an annual campaign led by Alcohol Change UK, encouraging people across the UK to reflect on their relationship with alcohol. This year’s theme, “Alcohol and Me,” invites us to think about the role alcohol plays in our lives and the impact it can have on our physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships, and daily routines.

Whether you drink regularly, occasionally, or not at all, Alcohol Awareness Week is an opportunity to pause and consider how alcohol affects you personally.

Why does it matter?

Many people use alcohol to relax, socialise, or cope with stress. However, alcohol is a depressant, meaning it can negatively affect our mood, sleep, and mental wellbeing. Drinking more than the recommended maximum of 14 units per week can also increase the risk of a range of physical health problems, including liver disease, stroke, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Understanding the connection between alcohol and our wellbeing can help us make informed choices and recognise when extra support may be helpful.

How can you get involved?

Take stock of your drinking habits

Alcohol Change UK’s campaign resources can help you understand how alcohol affects your body and mind. Their Alcohol MOT and other self-assessment tools can help you reflect on your current drinking patterns and identify any changes you’d like to make.

Start a conversation

Talking openly about alcohol can help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek support when they need it. Consider discussing the topic with friends, family, colleagues, or community groups during Alcohol Awareness Week.

Explore support and information

If you’re concerned about your own drinking or supporting someone else affected by alcohol use, there are many sources of information and support available.

Support on iThrive

At iThrive Edinburgh, we recognise that everyone’s experience with alcohol and substance use is different. Some people may use alcohol without experiencing significant difficulties, while others may find it impacts their health, relationships, finances, or daily life.

Our Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Use self-help page brings together a range of trusted resources, including:

• Information about addiction and recovery
• Self-help guides and practical advice
• Substance misuse and cravings diaries
• Support organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Turning Point, Talk to Frank and Narcotics Anonymous
• Drugbot, a free chatbot offering information to help people make safer and more informed decisions around substance use

You can explore these resources on our website to find information that suits your needs and circumstances.

Looking for local support?

iThrive Edinburgh’s service directory includes a range of local services that support people affected by alcohol and substance use. Whether you’re looking for advice, recovery support, counselling, peer support, or services for a loved one, the directory can help you find support available in Edinburgh.

Browse local alcohol and substance use services through the iThrive Edinburgh Service Directory.

Remember: support is available

If alcohol or substance use is affecting your wellbeing, you don’t have to face it alone. Seeking support is a positive step, and help is available for people at all stages of their journey.

This Alcohol Awareness Week, take a moment to reflect on your relationship with alcohol and explore the resources and support available through our website.