Alcohol Misuse

Balance North East exists to encourage people to reduce their alcohol consumption and the impact alcohol is having on the north east.

They achieve this through three key areas of activity:

1. Educating and informing- giving you all the information and support you need to make you aware of and understand the issues related to alcohol, so you can make informed choices.
2. Sharing best practice- looking at successful project or way of working that is having a positive impact, and sharing them.
3. Calling on Government for change-asking them to adopt those measures which robust, international evidence tells us will reduce the harm caused by alcohol misuse. 

Read more about this on the 'What we do' section of the Balance North East website.

Contact a member of the Balance team on 0191 3337154 or email us.

http://www.balancenortheast.co.uk 

 Cutting down or stopping drinking is usually just the beginning, and most people will need some degree of help or a long-term plan to stay in control or completely alcohol free.

Getting the right support can be crucial to maintaining control in the future.

Only relying on family, friends or carers for this often is not enough.

Ask your GP about what longer-term support is available in your area.

Self-help or mutual aid groups (such as AA and SMART Recovery) are accessible in your local area. Please see below for more information. 

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Alcoholics Anonymous holds meetings for newcomers at George Street Social, 45-51 George St, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

These meetings are concerned solely with the personal recovery and continued sobriety of individual alcoholics who attend AA meetings for help. 

The whole focus of AA meetings is for those suffering from alcoholism to share their experience, strength and hope. 

AA meetings are FREE to attend, though some may 'pass the hat' to collect donations (to cover room hire, meeting places, coffee and refreshments, literature, etc)

These meetings are held every Friday from 12.30pm till 13.40pm at George Street Social, 45-51 George St, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE4 7JN.

To find out more, please email help@aamail.org  

https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk 

SMART Recovery 

SMART Recovery holds meetings at Byker Sands Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne.

These meetings focus on addictive behaviour rather than the substance itself.They also aim to focus on your present and future (setting goals) and do not discuss your past or life stories. 

The meetings use evidence-based tools and techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing. 

SMART Recovery meetings are FREE to attend. Though some may 'pass the hat' to collect donations (to cover room hire and material etc).

These meetings are held every Thursday 10.00am-11.30am at Byker Sands Centre, 19 Raby Cross, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 2FF. 

To find out more, please call 0330 053 6022

 https://smartrecovery.org.uk 

Download the app to feel healthier, lose weight and save money by picking your days to go drink-free.

One simple way to cut down is to have at least a few drink-free days every week, so choose yours and get practical support to stick with it.

With the app you can:

• Update and track your drink-free days.
• Get simple and practical tips to help you control your drinking.
• Receive reminders when you need it most.
• Celebrate milestones when you reach your targets.