Drinking culture can sometimes seem to feature as part of student life, but drinking too much can affect your judgement and lead you to unsafe situations, as well as having long-term implications on your health. It can affect your mental health, like depression and anxiety, and can also lead to dependence and addiction.
If you are concerned that alcohol is becoming a problem for you, or you would like support in cutting down, then there are lots of options for getting support.
It's always advisable to consult your GP if you are feeling persistently low, especially if your daily functioning is affected. You should also let your personal tutor or course leader know if you are having difficulties and these are affecting your studies – they are there to help, and can offer useful advice and support.
You could also make use of the resources listed on this page, available via the university, or other local agencies.
Library books
The University library has copies of the following book which could be useful:
- Spada, M. - Overcoming Problem Drinking - 616.8610651/SPA
Other resources
If you would like to research more around the topic of alcohol problems, the Student Wellbeing Service can recommend the following services and self help resources:
NHS website
For basic guidance about how to reduce the amount you drink.
NHS Self-Help Guides
A range of self-help books (available also as MP3 downloads) including one on Alcohol and You, and also covering potentially relevant topics such as Anger, Depression, Anxiety and Stress.
Explore the NHS self-help guides
Alcohol & Depression
Royal College of Psychiatrists leaflet concerning the connection between alcohol and depression.
Give Up Drinking
A self-help website with information and advice on problem drinking, including questionnaires and diaries to assist active change.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.
National Association for Children of Alcoholics
Charity that provides a free, confidential telephone and email helpline to anyone (child or adult) affected by parental alcohol problems and to those concerned with their welfare; website contains information leaflets and links to additional resources.
Al-Anon
Family group support for anyone whose life has been affected by someone else's drinking, where members can share their own experience of living with alcoholism. Local Portsmouth group meets weekly.
Other self-help resources
Take a look at our other self-help resources.