Hey there – let’s talk about stress.
April is Stress Awareness Month, and if you’ve ever found yourself reaching for a glass of wine (or three) after a long day, you’re definitely not alone.
This is Sarah’s story. She’s a nurse. A mum. A professional who had it all together… until the cracks started to show.
"It was just one of those weeks. Then one week became every week."
Sarah* (not her real name) has worked in the NHS for nearly 12 years. She’s proud of what she does. But if you asked her how things have been lately? The truth is: it’s been brutal.
“We’re still playing catch-up after COVID. We’re constantly short-staffed, always firefighting. I was picking up extra shifts because I felt guilty leaving my team short… and because we needed the money. But the pressure never stopped.”
There were rota changes at the last minute. Patients with higher needs. New procedures every other week. And no time to breathe.
“I’d finish a 12-hour shift, come home, try to be present for my kids, and then just collapse. I was wired but exhausted. That first drink felt like the only way to switch my brain off.”
“I wasn’t out of control. But I wasn’t okay either.”
It started gradually. A glass of wine after work. Then two. Then every night. Then earlier on days off.
“I’d justify it – I wasn’t getting drunk. I wasn’t missing work. I wasn’t like those people. But deep down, I knew I was relying on it. I was using alcohol to escape, and I couldn’t seem to stop.”
What made it worse? The feeling that she should be coping. That because she’s a nurse, she should know better.
“I felt like a fraud. I’m the one telling patients to take care of their health – and here I was pouring another drink to take the edge off.”
“That moment of honesty saved me.”
One Sunday morning, hungover and anxious, Sarah found herself googling “Am I drinking too much?”
She found the NHS guidelines – 14 units a week (for context, that’s about six pints or a bottle and a half of wine). She was drinking more than double that. Easily.
Then she came across Inspire.
“I nearly didn’t message. I was scared someone would judge me. But they didn’t. They got it. They knew what burnout looked like – what survival mode felt like.”
Stress + Substance Use: You’re Not Broken. You’re Human.
Let’s be real: stress is one of the biggest triggers for drinking or using drugs.
We see it all the time – nurses, teachers, retail workers, social workers, carers, single parents, students. The people holding everyone else up. And barely keeping themselves together.
Here’s the truth:
Nearly 80% of NHS staff reported feeling unwell due to work-related stress in the last year
1 in 4 UK adults use alcohol or substances to cope with stress
Long-term stress increases your risk of anxiety, depression, heart problems, and more
What Helped Sarah Get Back On Track
Alongside support from Inspire, Sarah started making changes – small ones, but they added up.
✅ Saying no to extra shifts – hard, but necessary
✅ Setting alcohol-free days – and sticking to them
✅ Using her commute to decompress – music, no calls
✅ Reaching out – to us, and eventually to friends
“The tips I got from Inspire weren’t preachy. They were real. They reminded me I didn’t have to be perfect – I just had to start being kind to myself.
Our Top Tips to Handle Stress Without the Booze
Here’s some go-to tricks we recommend if stress is creeping in:
🧊 Cold water splash – sounds odd, but it resets your system
📱 Use your phone – to turn off your phone – set boundaries
🎧 Calm in, chaos out – make a ‘no work talk’ playlist
👣 Walk it off – fresh air can be an emotional circuit breaker
🗓️ Create micro-routines – five-minute wins that help you feel more in control
Feeling Seen? That’s a Good Thing.
If any part of Sarah’s story hit a nerve – that’s okay. You don’t have to be rock bottom to get help. You don’t have to give it all up today. You just need a moment of honesty, and a bit of support.
Whether you’re ready to talk, curious about cutting back, or just want a no-pressure chat – we’re here for it.
📍 Based in Lancashire? Inspire is your local drug and alcohol service.
💬 Friendly, confidential support – no judgement.
🧡 Real people. Real recovery.
Worried about alcohol? Support can start with a conversation
You do not need to wait until things feel unmanageable. Horizon can help you talk through your drinking, understand your options and find support that works for you.
What to expect when you first visit Horizon
Visiting Horizon for the first time can feel like a big step. Here’s what to expect when you arrive, what we may ask, and how we’ll support you.
Welcome to Horizon Blackpool
Horizon Blackpool provides free, confidential support for people affected by drugs, alcohol or sexual health concerns.
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