The Power of Community: How Connection Supports Mental Health and Drinking Habits

 

Alcohol, mental health and community are all closely connected. When you're looking to cut back on alcohol or improve your mental health, one of the most powerful tools you can have is a community. That could be a few close friends, a support group, or even a local club. The people around us can make a big difference—not just to how we feel day-to-day, but to how we approach our drinking habits and mental wellbeing.

Whether you're reducing your alcohol intake, thinking about stopping, or simply becoming more mindful about drinking, surrounding yourself with the right support can help you stay on track and feel better while doing it.

Why Community Matters for Mental Health

Feeling connected to others plays an important role in maintaining good mental health. In fact, strong social relationships are consistently linked with lower levels of anxiety and depression. Being part of a community can provide:

  • A sense of belonging

  • Emotional support during difficult times

  • Shared experiences that help you feel less alone

According to the Mental Health Foundation, people who feel connected to others tend to have higher levels of wellbeing and resilience. On the other hand, loneliness and isolation are linked to poor mental health—and these feelings are common among those who struggle with alcohol use.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, levels of loneliness across the UK increased significantly. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that around 7% of adults felt lonely “always or often.” This feeling didn’t disappear post-lockdown—and for many, it’s still a daily reality.

Alcohol and Mental Health: What’s the Connection?

While alcohol is often used to relax or “switch off,” regular or heavy drinking can have the opposite effect on our mental health.

Alcohol is a depressant. It interferes with the brain’s natural chemistry, affecting mood, sleep, and stress levels. Over time, it can contribute to or worsen symptoms of:

  • Low mood and irritability

  • Anxiety and panic

  • Poor concentration

  • Sleep disturbances

Drinking might offer short-term relief, but it can increase stress and make it harder to cope in the long run. For many people, this can lead to a cycle of using alcohol to manage emotions, only to feel worse after drinking.

How Community Can Influence Your Drinking

The people around us shape our habits more than we might realise. If your social life often revolves around alcohol—pub nights, after-work drinks, celebrations—it can be difficult to change those patterns.

But community can work in the opposite direction, too.

Spending time with others who support your goals, or who are also cutting back, can help you build confidence and stay motivated. Studies show that peer support—whether through friends, coaching, or community groups—can lead to more successful outcomes when it comes to reducing alcohol use.

Ideas for Socialising Without Alcohol

Cutting back on drinking doesn’t mean saying goodbye to your social life. In fact, many people find that alcohol-free activities lead to deeper connections and more meaningful experiences.

Here are a few ideas to help you connect with others—without alcohol:

  • Join a local club or group activity: Think walking groups, book clubs, sports teams, or creative classes.

  • Organise alcohol-free social events: Host a games night, try a shared cooking session, or plan a weekend brunch without the booze.

  • Volunteer in your community: Supporting a cause can help you meet like-minded people and boost your mood.

  • Spend time outdoors: Go for a walk, hike, or try outdoor fitness classes—great for both your mental health and social interaction.

  • Attend sober-friendly events: Many UK towns and cities now offer alcohol-free meetups, wellness festivals, and sober raves.

Even making small changes—like suggesting a coffee meet-up instead of a drink—can shift your social habits and help you feel more in control.

Make DrinkCoach part of your community and talk to one of our DrinkCoaches.

Making changes to your drinking doesn’t have to be a solo journey.

Change becomes easier when you're not doing it alone. Our DrinkCoaches are here to help you on your journey to positive change. Whether you want to understand your relationship with alcohol, cut down or go sober, we can offer you professional advice in a friendly and judgement free environment. You’re in control of where the sessions happen, all you need is an internet connection. Everyone’s journey with alcohol is different, that’s why we tailor sessions to your goals. Let us know what you need and we will take it from there.  Sessions are free for residents in certain UK councils. If you live in one of the areas below you can book six free sessions.

  • Barnet

  • Barnsley

  • Croydon

  • Haringey

  • Lambeth

  • Lewisham

  • Norfolk

  • Oxfordshire

  • Rotherham

  • West Sussex

  • Suffolk

If you live outside these areas you can still book a session.

 
 

We also offer:

Our goal is to help you make positive changes in a way that works for you—no pressure, no judgement.

You’re Not Alone

Whether you're just starting to think about cutting back or you’re already making changes, having the right people around you can make all the difference. Community can lift your mood, keep you focused, and remind you that you don’t have to do this alone.

Changing your drinking habits can feel challenging at first, but with support—whether that’s a friend, a DrinkCoach, or a local group—you’ll be surprised by how manageable (and even enjoyable) it can be.

 
 
Francesca Sinclair-ReidDrinkCoachComment