Healthy Conversations - Let's Talk...drugs and alcohol

As part of our new monthly campaign - Healthy Conversations – Let’s Talk... - we’re shining a light on drugs and alcohol and encouraging residents to talk openly, learn, and find help if needed.

The Healthy Conversations campaign is all about making health more human and less stigmatised by sparking healthy, open conversations across our city.

We’re starting our first Healthy Conversation by focusing on drugs and alcohol. Over the next four weeks we’ll be sharing residents’ stories, new data, practical advice and local support and services. We’ll also look at how drug and alcohol use affects different communities and our city as a whole.

Local insights

According to Health Counts 2024, 20% of adults in Brighton & Hove report using drugs not prescribed by a doctor and not available on the counter in the past year, and just under half of adults (44%) drink at levels outside the 'low risk' category. Notably, drug related deaths and harmful alcohol use are both above the England average.

How substances affect our bodies

Even 'low risk' drinking isn’t harmless. Research from Alcohol Change UK shows that people who drink within official limits still report degraded sleep, poorer dental health, and increased visits to health services.

Alcohol misuse is when you drink in a way that's harmful, or when you're dependent on alcohol. To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level, both men and women are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units a week. If you drink as much as 14 units a week, it's best to spread this evenly over 3 or more days.

Reducing harm

  • Mixing substances - like prescription medications and alcohol, can have unpredictable and harmful effects. If you're using other drugs, the risks multiply.
  • Stay hydrated with water or soft drinks between alcoholic beverages and choose lower-alcohol drinks for extended drinking sessions
  • Never leave drinks unattended, and don't feel pressured to take substances
  • Take regular breaks from physical activity if consuming stimulants, and stick together with friends and look after each other
  • Remember that tolerance levels vary between individuals
  • Carry naloxone - a life-saving medication that temporarily reverses opioid overdose, buying time until medical help arrives, you still need to call an ambulance. If you want to be trained and save a life, don't hesitate to get in touch with our local provider.

Why it matters locally

Beyond personal health, substance use can erode mental wellbeing, relationships, finances, and work life. It may contribute to anxiety, depression, job loss, debt, housing insecurity or isolation.

The experience of harms from drugs and alcohol remain some of the most stigmatised health topics in society. Stigma can stop people from seeking help, push problems underground, and worsen health outcomes.

Where to seek help

There are many types of support available in Brighton & Hove including confidential and inclusive help for all:

  • Change Grow Live (CGL) – advice and information on drugs and alcohol, and also treatment and recovery services for adults, families and carers
  • RUOK – substance use and sexual health information advice and support for young people
  • Brighton Oasis Project – support for women and young people experiencing problems with drugs and alcohol, including those affected by trauma or family member’s drug or alcohol use
  • Cascade Creative Recovery - peer-led drop-in support groups for people in recovery, including art classes, yoga, music group and recovery activities.
  • Community pharmacies and GPs - for advice and referrals

Alcohol Awareness Week

To coincide with Alcohol Awareness Week (7 – 13 July), we’re sharing people’s stories of recovery, tips on staying safe, and running a free online workshop, in partnership with Change Grow Live. These short, engaging sessions will help build on your existing knowledge and awareness around alcohol and its impact on our health and society. Sign up for one of the sessions:

  • Wednesday 9th July, 12pm to 1pm
  • Thursday 10th July, 10am to 11am

Join in the Healthy Conversation

  • Share your thoughts on the Healthy Conversations campaign
  • Reflect on the stories and information shared this month
  • Tell us what you’d like to hear about in future Healthy Conversations campaigns

Together, we’re building a safer, healthier Brighton & Hove. Your voice matters - whether you’re experiencing harmful substance use, know someone who is, or just care about wellbeing in our city.