A Fresh Look at Alcohol in Our Community
Walk down any high street in Glasgow East and you’ll notice it—attitudes to drinking are changing. It’s subtle, but real. Fewer Friday night blowouts. More people choosing alcohol-free nights. And a growing openness about asking for help. Behind the scenes, the Glasgow East Alcohol Awareness Project (GEAAP) has been quietly guiding this transformation for over three decades.
The Numbers: Less Bingeing, More Balance
It’s not just a feeling—recent surveys across Scotland suggest overall drinking levels are edging downward, especially among young adults and women. There’s a noticeable drop in regular binge drinking. In Glasgow East, GEAAP’s frontline experience backs this up: fewer calls about full-on crises, more questions about “cutting back.”
Why the shift? Partly, it’s health awareness—social media and public campaigns highlighting the long-term risks of heavy drinking, not just the short-term hangovers. GEAAP’s local campaigns, run in partnership with schools and GP clinics, have helped nudge these trends along. They know every street, and their approach is anything but preachy.
COVID-19 and Beyond: The Double-Edged Sword
It’s impossible to talk about trends without mentioning the pandemic. For some, lockdowns triggered a spike in drinking to cope with stress or boredom. But for others, it was a wake-up call. Many used the time to reflect and reset their habits. GEAAP adapted by launching online resources and confidential Zoom support, ensuring no one slipped through the cracks. Now, hybrid support (in-person and online) is here to stay.
Alcohol-Free Living Goes Mainstream
One of the fastest-growing trends is “mindful drinking”—choosing when and how much to drink, rather than going along with old routines. Alcohol-free drinks aren’t just for “designated drivers” anymore. Local bars and supermarkets in Glasgow East now stock an impressive range of options, and demand keeps rising.
GEAAP’s workshops on mindful drinking—covering topics from social pressures to stress management—are drawing bigger, more diverse crowds. People want real strategies, not lectures. The project’s community champions—locals with lived experience—share tips, stories, and that classic Glaswegian sense of humour.
Supporting the Whole Person
It’s clear that people seek more than just advice on alcohol. They want support for anxiety, loneliness, and daily pressures. GEAAP’s holistic approach means they’ll help you with whatever you’re facing—housing worries, relationship issues, or just a tough week at work.
Recent trends also show a spike in people supporting friends or family members. GEAAP’s team offers guidance, signposting, and empathy—whether someone needs a one-off chat or ongoing support.
Breaking Taboos, Building Trust
Perhaps the biggest shift is in how openly people talk about alcohol. What used to be “our wee secret” is now discussed in youth groups, coffee mornings, and even at football clubs. GEAAP’s involvement in these spaces normalises asking for help.
They know trust takes time. That’s why you’ll find GEAAP at community events, local schools, and on social media, ready to listen. The project’s long-standing reputation in Glasgow East means folks know where to turn—without fear of being judged.
What’s Next for Glasgow East?
Looking ahead, digital support will keep growing, making it easier for people in more rural parts of the East End to get help. But the heart of the project remains unchanged: free, confidential support for anyone affected by alcohol.
In 2025, expect to see GEAAP working with even more local partners—from foodbanks to sports clubs—to reach people where they are. If you’re worried about yourself or someone else, you don’t need to struggle in silence. GEAAP’s doors (real and virtual) are always open.
