For individuals

Whether you're thinking about cutting down on how much you drink, are concerned about a friend or relative or just want further information, there are plenty of organisations in the North East that are able to help you. 

Have a look through our hints and tips below or search for a support organision near you. 

Hints and Tips

Cutting down

• Make a plan - before you start drinking, set yourself a limit on how much you’re going to drink.
• Set yourself a budget - only take a fixed amount of money to spend on alcohol.
• On your side - if you let your friends and family know you’re cutting down and that it’s important to you, you may get their support.
• Take it a day at a time - try and cut back a little each day. Then 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 or a small glass of wine.
• Have a lower-strength drink - cut down the alcohol by swapping strong beers or wines for ones with a lower strength (ABV in %).
• Stay hydrated - drink a pint of water before you start drinking and avoid using alcohol to quench your thirst
• Take a break - have the odd day here and there each week when you don’t have a drink.

Stay safe
There are a number of measures that people heading out on the town or to a house party could take to help them enjoy themselves and stay safe.

• Eat before going out - a healthy meal before you go out, and snacks between drinks can help to slow down the absorption of alcohol and so helps you stay in control.
• Follow each alcoholic drink with a soft drink - this will help you stay hydrated. You could also drink a pint of water before you start drinking and avoid using alcohol to quench your thirst.
• Book a taxi in advance - this will help you get home safely. Store the taxi telephone number in your mobile phone and remember to charge your phone. Don’t get in an unlicensed cab.
• Keep your taxi money separate to your spending money - you don’t want to run out and have no means to get home.
• Don’t take your bank card – set yourself a budget and stick to it. On a night out, cash back at the bar or midnight trips to the cash point for more money can quickly add up. Instead leave the plastic at home, that way you can’t drink more than your budget allows.
• Stay with friends - you are more vulnerable after you have been drinking alcohol so stay around people you know and trust.