Worried about yours or a mate's drinking? We know it can be a difficult conversation to have with yourself or others, but there are non-judgemental services here to help.

It can be difficult to keep track of how much we are drinking, especially when we're at home pouring our own drinks. Higher alcohol use is associated with a range of physical, mental and social issues.

This week our Student Officers have been out and about across campus encouraging you to come up with #SoberSocial ideas! It can be good to switch up your usual Wednesday night trip to HallamNation and support your mates to do the same. Skipping the odd night out can be great to make the most of the Sheffield scenery and even save a few quid.

Talk to someone if you're thinking about reducing your drinking. It is important to seek medical advice before reducing alcohol intake if you're heavily dependent.

Services and resources

We've put together a few services and resources that offer support for people struggling with alcohol dependencies.

1. Contact your university wellbeing service (SHU Support)

2. Ring, instant message or email Nightline

Nightline is a confidential, anonymous, free, and non-advisory listening service run by students for students.

3. Talk to your GP

4. Talk to a friend or family member

5. Reach out to a local service

There are a range of local services you can get in touch with for support.

Sheffield Treatment and Recovery Team (START)

What they offer:

They offer free and confidential advice to anyone 18 or over living in Sheffield. You can self-refer or refer a friend.

You can also contact START if you've been affected by someone else's drinking.

How you can contact them:

You can make a referral over the phone, by email, or in person (START are also available for walk ins).

What it involves and the support you can access:

They will carry out an assessment with you that considers your physical health, social situation, the impact your drinking might have on your life and an agreed plan for how to proceed with your care. An agreed plan could include accessing talking therapies or support from their medical and nursing teams. You will also have access to their peer support groups and help with finding or returning to work.

Drink Aware

Drink Aware have a free online chat service called Drinkchat for anyone looking for advice about their own, or someone else's drinking. The chat is open 9am-2pm weekdays.

They also have a free confidential helpline called Drinkline. You can call them on: 0300 123 1110. Their lines are open 9am-8pm on weekdays, and 11am-4pm on weekends.

DACT - Sheffield Drugs and Alcohol Coordination Team

You can phone DACT for a confidential discussion about yours, or someone else's drinking or drug use: 0114 305 0500

Project 6 (formerly known as SASS - Sheffield Alcohol Support Service)

Project 6 is a local charity which delivers services for individuals with alcohol and drug addiction and complex needs.

You can self-refer by filling in their online form or calling: 0114 258 7553

There are also alcohol services for ethnic and faith communities and LGBTQ+ individuals.

6. Use an online interactive tool

Not ready to talk to someone? Try and interactive tool.

You can download the Try Dry: app to help you monitor and cut down your alcohol consumption.

Worried about alcohol and its effects on your body? You can visit Alcohol Change's website for their Interactive Body Tool.

Are units confusing you? Not sure how much you're drinking? Try this Unit Calculator.

The Project 6 Alcohol Audit Tool can help you identify if you might need further help.

Mocktail recipes

Download and follow our simple mocktail recipes for simple tasty treats... minus the hangover.