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If you want to understand how alcohol affects your health, Your Room (a NSW Health Service) provides clear information and downloadable fact sheets on alcohol and other drugs.
If you need support, the following free services can help you reduce or change your alcohol use.
Service | Contact details |
|---|---|
Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS)ADIS offers free and confidential support from trained counsellors who can offer advice, information, referrals and crisis support. | Website: www.yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au Phone: 1800 250 015 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) Web chat: www.yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/getting-help/Pages/ADIS-Web-Chat.aspx Available: Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5pm. |
Get Healthy NSWGet Healthy NSW is a free telephone-based coaching service that supports people to make healthier lifestyle choices, including reducing alcohol use. Trained health coaches work with you to set goals, build confidence and make changes at your pace. | Website: www.gethealthynsw.com.au Phone: 1300 806 258 Availability: Monday to Friday, 8am - 8pm. |
If visiting licensed venues feels harmful to your wellbeing, you can choose to enter a self-exclusion agreement (PDF 213.02KB) with one or more licensed venues in NSW, such as bars, pubs, clubs or bottle shops.
A self-exclusion agreement is voluntary and helps prevent you from entering or staying on the premises for an agreed period of time. It can be a practical way to support changes to your alcohol use.
For step-by-step information, visit self-exclusion from liquor venues.
You can also enter choose to self-exclude from same-day alcohol delivery services.
Self-exclusion means you enter an agreement with an individual online delivery provider to stop alcohol being delivered to you. You decide how long the self-exclusion applies. This can be for a fixed period of time or ongoing (permanent).
Same day alcohol delivery providers must clearly display a self-exclusion option on their website. If you have enter into a self-exclusion agreement with a provider, they must reject any same-day alcohol delivery orders you place duing the period of the agreement.
If you use more than one online alcohol delivery service, you must request self-exclusion separately with each provider. An agreement with one provider does not apply to others.
For more information see same day alcohol delivery requirements and responsibilities.
These practical tips may help you cut back on alcohol or make more informed choices.
A standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol, no matter the type of alcohol, or whether it is mixed with anything.
For example a standard drink is:
You can use this interactive standard drink calculator to learn how many standard drinks are in common glasses.
Drinking less alcohol lowers the risk of harm. The Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol recommends:
For healthy adults
For children and young people
During pregnancy and breastfeeding
Drinking alcohol while using other drugs or medicines can be dangerous. This includes medicines prescribed by a doctor or bought from a pharmacy or supermarket.
Decide how much you want to drink or if you would prefer not to drink alcohol altogether.
Setting clear goals helps you stay focused. For example, you could limit the number of drinks you have when socialising or choose alcohol-free days each week. Sharing your goals with someone you trust can also help.
Some people choose to drink less alcohol or stop drinking altogether. Others take a short break to see how alcohol affects their health, mood or wellbeing.
You may hear this approach described as being “sober curious”. It focuses on reflecting on your relationship with alcohol and making choices that feel right for you.
Support and inspiration are available through:
Whether you are cutting back, taking a break or choosing not to drink, there are communities and resources that can support you along the way.
There is now a wide range of non‑alcoholic drinks available in Australia. Options include alcohol‑free beers and wines, as well as other non‑alcoholic drinks. These can make it easier to socialise without drinking alcohol.
More social activities and events are also designed to be alcohol‑free. These may include dance events, wellness activities, pop‑up bars or tasting events without alcohol.
Alcohol‑free social options can help you enjoy spending time with others without pressure to drink, while supporting your health and wellbeing goals.
Alcohol can cause dehydration. Drinking water alongside alcohol may help you feel better and slow down how much you drink.
Try alternating alcoholic drinks with water or choosing alcohol‑free options to stay hydrated.
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