Alcohol Awareness Week is a national campaign that invites us all to take a step back and think about our relationship with alcohol – and how small changes can lead to big improvements in our health and wellbeing.

Whether you’re looking to feel more energised, boost your fitness, or improve your overall health, cutting back on alcohol can be a powerful way to support a healthier lifestyle!

How Does Alcohol Affect Your Health?

Alcohol is often part of social occasions or winding down at the end of the day – but over time, even moderate consumption can impact your body and mind.

Did you know that drinking within the recommended limit of 14 units per week can still affect:

• Sleep – Alcohol disrupts deep sleep cycles, leaving you feeling tired and unrested.
• Mood and mental health – It’s a depressant, which can increase anxiety, low mood, and irritability.
• Weight and fitness – Alcohol is high in empty calories and can slow metabolism, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight.
• Heart and liver health – Long-term drinking is linked to high blood pressure, liver damage, and other health concerns.

The good news? Reducing your intake can make a difference almost immediately – clearer thinking, better mood, more energy, and lower health risks.

Fitness and Alcohol – A Hidden Obstacle

You’ve set your fitness goals, you’re showing up – but your progress feels stuck. One often-overlooked factor? Alcohol.

Here’s how it can hold you back:

• Dehydration – Alcohol is a diuretic that inhibits a hormone that helps your kidneys hold on to water, slowing recovery and increasing fatigue.
• Poor nutrition – Alcohol lowers inhibitions, making it more likely to reach for less nutritious food. It can also reduce your absorption of key nutrients like vitamins B and C.
• Interrupted recovery – Alcohol interferes with sleep, meaning less energy for your next workout.

Try swapping your usual drink for water or a no-alcohol alternative a few nights a week. You might be surprised how much lighter, stronger, and more focused you feel.

Myth Buster: Can You ‘Sweat Out’ a Hangover?

You’ve had a big night, and your instinct is to hit the gym the next morning to “sweat it out.” Sound familiar?

Unfortunately, it’s not quite how it works. No amount of exercise can remove alcohol from your system – your liver does that, and it takes time.

When you drink, your body becomes dehydrated as your kidneys work overtime. Add sweating from exercise into the mix, and you’re likely to feel even more drained. Alcohol also affects your liver’s ability to produce glucose (your energy source), making you more prone to fatigue and low performance during physical activity.

If you’re planning to exercise, the best advice is to keep your alcohol intake low the night before – or avoid it entirely. That way, you can make the most of the mood-boosting, stress-reducing benefits of movement without the added drag of dehydration and tiredness.

Your Challenge This Alcohol Awareness Week

This week, we’re inviting our community to take part in a few simple steps:

• Go alcohol-free for 2–3 days this week and take note of how you feel.
• Track your habits using a free app or journal – a small change in awareness can make a big difference.
• Get moving – trade your usual drink for a yoga class, swim, or walk in the fresh air.
• Share your journey – talk to friends or join the conversation using #AlcoholAwarenessWeek.

Tools to Help You Make Healthier Choices

Looking to build healthier habits around alcohol? These free tools and resources can help you stay on track:

• Drinkaware – Unit calculators, drink diaries, and tips to reduce drinking. 🔗 www.drinkaware.co.uk
• Try Dry app – A motivating way to track alcohol-free days, set goals, and see your progress. 🔗 www.trydry.com
• NHS Better Health – Drink Less – Practical tools, tips, and a 7-day plan to help reduce alcohol intake. 🔗 www.nhs.uk/better-health/drink-less
• NHS Inform – Alcohol Support – Clear, reliable advice on cutting back and staying well. 🔗 www.nhsinform.scot

Join the Conversation

Want to learn more?

• Follow us on social media.
• Chat with our friendly team at your local leisure centre.
• Or explore new ways to support your wellbeing through movement and mindfulness.

A Note of Care

Everyone’s relationship with alcohol is different. This blog is intended to raise awareness and encourage healthier lifestyle choices – it is not medical advice.

If you or someone you know may be struggling with alcohol dependency, support is available. You’re not alone, and reaching out is a brave first step.

Here are a few places you can turn for confidential help:

• We Are With You – Fife
  Free, local support for people concerned about alcohol use
  🔗 wearewithyou.org.uk/services/fife
• FASS – Fife Alcohol Support Service
  Professional counselling and psychotherapy for people affected by alcohol
  🔗 www.fassaction.org.uk
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – 24/7 helpline: 0800 9177 650
• Drinkline (NHS) – Free, national helpline: 0300 123 111