Layla, member of the Somerset Youth Parliament advisory group reflects back on Alcohol Awareness Week from early July, looking at the impacts of alcohol abuse both in the workplace and on young people. It’s a fascinating read.
This month, (July 7-13), marked Alcohol Awareness Week across the UK, an annual campaign lead by the charity Alcohol Change UK. This year, the initiative put a spotlight on alcohol and work.
And although it’s a more adult focused topic, problems often start during our teens, so it doesn’t mean young people shouldn’t be informed too!!
For adults, drinking is deeply ingrained in many aspects of British culture, from social events to celebratory toasts. However, the impact of alcohol on adult’s professional lives and well-being is often underestimated. This Alcohol Awareness Week aims to encourage conversations about how alcohol crosses with careers, productivity, and mental and physical health.
The campaign highlights that workplace culture can often accidentally encourage drinking, whether through team-building events or a reliance on alcohol to unwind after stressful days. And that stress and pressure at work can lead some individuals to use alcohol to cope, which can ironically worsen anxiety, make your mood worse or depressive, and reduce overall success.
Even moderate drinking can affect sleep, concentration, and energy levels, impacting performance in work and relationships with colleagues.
In regards to young people, according to Alcohol and drug use in young people – RCPCH – State of Child Health
- Alcohol and drugs are some of the leading risk factors for overall burden of disease in the UK. Substance misuse and abuse are preventable problems with major sequelae for young people, families and society.
- Alcohol use can negatively impact upon a young person’s educational performance and on their friendships
- Young people between the ages of 15 and 17 years are more likely to binge drink which is linked with other health risk behaviours such as:
- unprotected or regretted sexual activity.
- antisocial and criminal behaviour.
- self-harm and thoughts of suicide.
- Those who drink alcohol regularly from an early age are more likely to develop later alcohol misuse or abuse
- Alcohol is also a risk factor for many adult diseases, including a range of cancers and cirrhosis.
Alcohol Awareness Week 2025 encourages adults, workplaces, and communities to:
- reflect on personal drinking habits: Consider if alcohol is impacting their work, sleep, or mood, and explore resources to track intake.
- foster healthier workplace cultures: Employers are urged to consider offering alcohol-free social options and promoting open conversations about stress, mental health, and drinking. To challenge stigma: Sharing personal stories of limiting or quitting alcohol helps to normalise seeking support and lets others know they are not alone.
- understand the signs: Be aware of increased consumption or concerns from others, and know that confidential support is available for those struggling with alcohol.
Ultimately, Alcohol Awareness Week is a call to action – to think more critically about relationships with alcohol, and to empower people to make informed choices that lead to healthier, more productive, and happier lives.
Support and information are available through Alcohol Change UK and local services for anyone who wants to rethink their drinking
Whether you are a young person or an adult you can also seek information, advice or support from our local Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS) | Turning Point
Layla
