Managing Your Drinking During The Cost Of Living Crisis

Mental Health / Alcohol Guidance

It’s tough out there at the moment, and if you feel you need a helping hand, that’s ok.

Times like these, when a lot of things seem out of our control, can lead to feelings of uncertainty. You may be finding money worries are making you want to drink more as a way to deal with emotions or simply to fill your time. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Why not check out a few of our tips and resources below as a starting point for keeping on top of your drinking in stressful times?

(Free) stress-busting hacks 

Take a look at Catherine Gray’s top 10 alcohol-free ways to soother your anxiety - because it shouldn’t cost a fortune to find your inner peace. From cranking up your top feel-good hits, to good old-fashioned fresh air and staying active - there’s something for everyone.

Discovering new ways to have fun staying in

Staying in doesn’t mean sacrificing fun. But can often mean saving money, especially when we cut out the alcohol. Why not borrow a few ideas from Try Dry: The Official Guide to a Month Off Booze’s author Lauren Booker on having a fun sober night in?

Checking in on your mental health when times are tough 

How much do you know about the link between alcohol and mental health? It may surprise you to know just how many people are affected by mental health problems, as well as the many ways alcohol can interact with (and even worsen) these issues. Take our alcohol and mental health quiz and see what you discover: Alcohol and mental health quiz | Alcohol Change UK

We hope you found something for you from our suggestions. For more free tools and resources to help manage your drinking, download the Try Dry® app to your smartphone. As well as helping you log your drinking and dry days, you can try out the wellbeing features for size – helping you monitor your sleep, energy levels, mood and cravings to give you the full picture of your drinking. You’ll also find tonnes of resources, tips and blogs in the newly developed ‘More’ section of the app to help you make the change that’s right for you.

Mental Health Useful Resources

Your Mind Plan offers practical ideas and advice to help you boost and maintain your mental wellbeing. Answer the quick 5-question quiz and the Every Mind Matters widget will give you 5 tailored actions to help you feel more in control, improve your sleep, deal with stress and anxiety, and boost your mood – as well as the option to easily swap any actions and to save the whole plan via email.

Mental Health Helplines & Web Chats

Samaritans
Action Mental Health
Association for Post-Natal Illness Helpline
Aware NI - Support Groups
Aware NI - Online Support Groups
Mind - Side by Side Online Community