For this year’s Alcohol Awareness Week, we’re doing a deep dive into your relationship with alcohol.

Many of us have positive relationships. The ones where we feel safe to set boundaries and have them respected. The ones that pick up right where we left off, no matter how much time has passed.

But not all relationships feel like this. Some can cause harm. We try to set boundaries, but they’re ignored. We pull away, but something keeps drawing us back, creating a negative loop that can be hard to break.

We can have these same kinds of relationships with alcohol.

Take a moment to reflect on yours. Could it be better? What would you want to change?

Understanding your relationship is the first step towards change. Whatever your starting point, we’re here to support you with practical tools, tailored advice, and a plan you can follow at your own pace.

All of our services are online, giving you privacy and convenience to make changes in your own time and environment.

• Download our free app to track and change your drinking.

• Take the 2-min Alcohol Test to find out whether your relationship is on the healthy or risky side

• Book Online Coaching with one of our experienced coaches. Sessions are free for residents across the UK. Find out if you’re eligible below.

Real stories from real people.

We’ve collected stories, letters and quotes from people who’ve used our services. They share their experiences with alcohol and how drinking less has changed their relationship with it. We found them inspiring, and we hope you do too.

How has alcohol affected your life?

Made my life chaotic, hard to focus difficult meeting new people or go out with friends, pushed people away. Set back on my set goals.

How has your life changed since drinking less or becoming sober?

Quit drinking has improved my health, easier to focus , work has improved. Less anxiety and fewer racing thoughts, Improved ability to stick to my schedule. More energy and motivation & overall happier.

If someone in your life started to drink alcohol, what would you tell them?

Dont let alcohol control your life it doesn’t make anything less easier it makes everything worse quit now.

How has alcohol affected your life?

Alcohol seems to have always been there - since I was 17 and going to nightclubs with my friends. I normalised being drunk in social situations for years and having hangovers. When I had children I was pretty much teetotal for about 3 years, then slowly I got back into the habit of drinking regularly and used alcohol as an escape from the pressures of the day. It's only in my 50s that I have decided to do something about the binge drinking relationship I have with alcohol. 

How has your life changed since drinking less or becoming sober?

I have my weekends back - I no longer plan to be ill the day after a night out and don't simply write the day off. I notice how much energy I have and how my thoughts are more clear when I have had a few weeks of abstinence. I find interesting projects to do instead of sitting in with a bottle of wine. I have a wider group of friends. I am more present for my husband and children at weekends. I still have more reduction to go though I think - old habits die hard! 

If alcohol was someone in your life (friend, family member), what would you tell them?

We had a blast but it is time for me to move on. When I look back at the things we did together, some good some bad I see the different person I was and how different life was then. Without regret, I have chosen to look forward at what I need and this is to move away from you and find other longer lasting ways to feel at energised and at peace without the side effects of a hangover - I am happy with that - I am excited for my next adventures. 

How has alcohol affected your life?

“It has caused lots of stress and I used it to escape, this never helped”.

How has your life changed since drinking less or becoming sober?

“My life has improved and I feel more in control”.

If alcohol were a person in your life, what would you say to them?

“You never helped me”.

How has alcohol affected your life?

“All negative, there was no good”.

How has your life changed since drinking less or becoming sober?

“My life has improved and I work better and I have improved my confidence and I always am at work and have more time , since I stopped drinking alcohol”.

If alcohol were a person in your life, what would you say to them?

“Liar, Can't help me. You remove more than you give”.

How has alcohol affected your life?

“ It has impacted my life quite significantly and has always been part of my life”.

How has your life changed since drinking less or becoming sober?

“I feel less tired, I have alcohol free days now, and I feel happier, I am more positive and I sleep better”. 

If alcohol were a person in your life, what would you say to them?

“I want you to be my friend but you need to know your boundaries”.

What was your relationship with alcohol like before you started using DrinkCoach?

Before I started using DrinkCoach I was a binge drinker and wasn’t equipped with the tools and knowledge to change it. Working with Rob (my coach) I was able to take a step back and analyse my behaviours. Rob taught me the strategy and was an emphatic listener and someone who inspired me to see it as a journey. Overall my relationship with alcohol was very poor before DrinkCoach and I just didn’t have the education or understanding to make significant change.

What made you decide to try DrinkCoach?

I knew I had to try something different and not the same approach! I googled giving up alcohol and DrinkCoach came up as an option. I decided to go for it, and they had a handy app that allowed me to read other people’s stories. I knew that I had to be vulnerable in order to change and that meant opening up and taking the plunge in this service, which was an amazing decision for me.

What did you find most helpful about using DrinkCoach (e.g. tools, support, approach)?

Having someone to talk to who wasn’t judgemental and someone who understands was the most helpful thing for me when using DrinkCoach. Rob had a compassionate approach and gave me ideas and suggestions that really aligned with my life, I was then able to start planning and living my life sober.

What differences have you noticed in your life since using DrinkCoach?

My life is a happier one, I have been able to gain the ability to say no to drinking and not give in to other people – I’m more assertive in myself and my decisions and I’m enjoying life so much more. Finding DrinkCoach and Rob has honestly been one of the best things to happen to me.

How would you describe your situation today?

I’m coming up to 7 months sober; I’m exercising weekly and have found a deeper appreciation for life that I didn’t have before. My relationship with my partner is stronger and I’m more committed to improving other areas of my life! My situation today is seeing alcohol for what it really is, the mask has slipped and can’t be returned, I’m more educated and in tune with myself, and living a life I always knew I wanted.

What would you say to someone who’s considering using DrinkCoach?

DO IT! You will not regret taking the plunge and giving up alcohol, the help and support you get with DrinkCoach is something that can help you and set you up for success. Working with my coach and understanding what I was facing made me realise I didn’t have to do it alone and I had support every step of the way! It’s a great service and really should be used and celebrated in the UK.