CUTTING DOWN – TIPS TO STAY ON TRACK
Support and advice to cut down or stop
If your drinking is at increasing or high risk level we'd advise you to cut down - you may want to explore the following options below:
1. Speak to a counsellor
Counselling can be particulalry helpful, even for just a one-off consultation. A counsellor can also refer you to other services if needed. We can recommend you contact:
Richmond Community Drug and Alcohol Service
Phone number: 020 3228 3020 / Email: RCDAS.Referrals@slam.nhs.uk
Address: Ilex House, 94 Holly Road. Twickenham. TW1 4HF
Richmond Community Drug and Alcohol Service (known as RCDAS) is a community drug and alcohol service for anyone over the age of 18 living in the London Borough of Richmond. The over-arching aim of the service is to support service users in reducing or stopping their substance use and associated harm, and working towards sustainable and meaningful recovery in the community.
Students at St Mary's University
The Wellbeing Team are here to support students on the Top Floor of J building - Email counselling@stmarys.ac.uk or Tel. 020 8240 4187
2. Get some advice from Drinkline
Free, confidential helpline for anyone who is concerned about their drinking, or someone else's. Helpline: 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm). If you are in Scotland, you can also contact Drinkline Scotland on 0800 7314 314.
3. Speak to a specialist Alcohol Counsellor
You can find your nearest alcohol counselling service here
4. Get support from a self-help group
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free self-help group. Its "12-step" programme involves getting sober with the help of regular support groups.
Smart Recovery UK is also a network of free self-help groups. It believes change comes about through motivation, behavior change and self-learning.
Al-Anon Family Groups offer support and understanding to the families and friends of problem drinkers, whether they're still drinking or not.
4. Use online self-help counselling
We can recommend Drinkbreak - an online self-help programme developed by Doctors at University College London available for anyone who wants to cut down or stop.
5. Further information online
Change for Life
Information on a healthier relationship to drinking from Change 4 Life - an excellent website from the Department of Health on keeping yourself healthy
NHS Information on alcohol
Detailed advice on alcohol and health from the NHS
Drinkaware
The Drinkaware website aims to increase awareness and understanding of the role of alcohol in society, enabling individuals to make informed choices about their drinking.
