The number of Surrey residents using the free online AlcoholWise test to check their drinking habits has soared, with ten times more users in July 2025 compared with the same month last year.
The AlcoholWise test, provided by our trust, is an anonymous online test that guides people on whether they should seek further help based on their alcohol intake. This July, 490 people took the test, in comparison to 49 in July 2024.
Over 25% of adults in Surrey drink at levels that could harm their health, with around 200,000 adults in Surrey drinking more than the recommended 14 units of alcohol per week.
The increase in people taking the AlcoholWise test follows a successful social media campaign encouraging people to check whether they’d benefit from support during Alcohol Awareness Week in July, run by Surrey County Council in partnership with our trust.
The AlcoholWise test asks a short set of questions about how often a person drinks and the impact drinking alcohol has on their lives. According to a person’s answers, the test may recommend they refer themselves to AlcoholWise, a free,confidential service which offers telephone sessions from a specialist alcohol support worker to help people cut down or stop drinking.
Katie Matthews, Associate Director Substance Misuse Services said: “If you feel that your drinking is impacting on your quality of life or want to check whether you’d benefit from cutting down, the AlcoholWise test is free and quick to take online.”
“If your results suggest you’d benefit from support to reduce your intake, our AlcoholWise service is here to help you take control of your drinking and to support you in ensuring that your intake is not harmful to your mental or physical health.”
A person who was supported through AlcoholWise telephone sessions said: “My support worker was professional, a good listener and didn’t try to force me to make changes I couldn’t commit to. I now have a better understanding of why I drank and I feel more in control to make mindful choices.”
Another person said: “I have felt an immense change – the tools and education provided around lifestyle and balance has helped me to achieve my goals. My support worker was very kind, supportive, helpful and knowledgeable.”
To take the AlcoholWise test, visit www.AlcoholWise.org.uk