What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 7pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 4pm

Ayrshire Council on Alcohol

Home
United Kingdom
Ayr
Ayrshire Council on Alcohol

Free confidential advice, support & counselling for individuals from East & South Ayrshire Evening appointments are also available.

Counsellors trained to professional standards with experience in alcohol addiction offer free, confidential one to one support to people who are concerned about their drinking whether they wish to stop completely or just cut down to less harmful levels. Family support is also offered to those whose lives are affected by someone else's drinking. We operate a discrete and accessible service in venue

s throughout East & South Ayrshire. Telephone counselling can be provided. ACA is a registered Scottish Charity (SCO 97489) and is financially supported by East & South Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnerships. Contact details for further information or to make an appointment :
24 Fullarton Street, AYR, KA7 1UB
Tel:01292 281238
E-mail: [email protected]

25/06/2026

Thank you so much Ayr and Prestwick Men's Shed for their kind invitation to help host an alcohol free bar with one of their members Michael who is also an Alcohol Change Ambassador. Michael is also a great supporter of ACA. This event was to mark the grand opening of their new wellbeing facility which will help support members with their mental health and is such a relaxing, welcoming space. Many congratulations to all involved! What a lovely warm welcome we got & the BBQ was delicious!

24/06/2026

🥵ALCOHOL & THE HEATWAVE🔥

You may be thinking that the best way to cope with this weather is to have a few pints of ice cold lager or cider or enjoy a cool cocktail?

Alcohol and a heatwave are generally not a great combination. Why?

😎Alcohol increases dehydration because it makes you urinate more.

😎Alcohol can impair your body's ability to regulate temperature.

😎Alcohol may make you less aware of early signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

😎Blood vessels widen after drinking, which can make you feel cooler temporarily while your body is actually struggling with the heat.

😎The risk is higher for older adults, people with heart conditions, and anyone doing physical activity outdoors.

If you choose to drink during a heatwave:

❗️Drink plenty of water before, during, and after alcohol.
❗️Avoid binge drinking.
❗️Stay in the shade or indoors during the hottest part of the day.
❗️Eat food rather than drinking on an empty stomach.
❗️Watch for symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, confusion, rapid heartbeat, or extreme thirst.
❗️Seek urgent medical help if someone becomes confused, loses consciousness, has a very high body temperature, or stops sweating in extreme heat—these can be signs of heatstroke.

If you would like further free, confidential, one-to-one information, advice & support for your drinking whether you wish to cut down or stop completely or if you are affected by a loved one’s drinking and would like to talk to someone without judgement then please call 01292 281238, e-mail: [email protected] or hit the message button.

20/06/2026

LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK

Learning Disability Week takes place Monday 15 to Sunday 21 June 2026.

The theme for 2026 is "Do you see me?" which is all about people with a learning disability being seen, heard and valued.

Having a learning disability does not automatically mean a person cannot drink alcohol. The key is ensuring they understand the risks, can make informed choices where possible, and receive appropriate support when needed. People with learning disabilities may face some additional challenges and risks compared with the general population when drinking alcohol.

How alcohol can affect people with learning disabilities:

*Reduced judgment and decision-making. Alcohol can make it harder to understand risks and make safe choices.

*Communication difficulties. It may become harder to express needs, concerns, or discomfort.

*Increased vulnerability. Alcohol can make someone more susceptible to exploitation, abuse, or unsafe situations.

*Greater impact on daily living skills. Tasks such as managing money, travelling safely, or taking medication correctly may become more difficult.

*Health effects. Excessive drinking can increase the risk of liver disease, heart problems, mental health difficulties, and accidents.

*Some people may find it harder to understand alcohol units, safe drinking guidelines, or the long-term effects of drinking.

*Alcohol can interact with medications commonly prescribed for physical or mental health conditions.

Here at ACA free, one-to-one support can help people make informed choices about their drinking. Information can be provided in accessible formats. Individuals are encouraged to make informed decisions rather than decisions being made for them.
Monitor for signs that alcohol is causing health, social, or safety problems.

For further information or to make an appointment please call 01292 281238, e-mail: [email protected] or hit the message button.

19/06/2026

🌈JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH🌈

LGBTQI+ people are not inherently more likely to misuse alcohol, but some studies have found higher rates of risky drinking in certain LGBTQI+ groups.

Factors that may contribute include discrimination, stigma, social stress, family rejection, and mental health challenges.

Historically, bars and clubs have also been important social spaces for LGBTQI+ communities, which can increase exposure to alcohol-centered environments.

Many LGBTQI+ organisations promote alcohol-free social events and support services to encourage healthier community connections.

Alcohol can affect anyone’s mental health:

*Worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety.
*Increase mood swings and irritability.
*Disrupt sleep, which can further affect mental well-being.
*Reduce inhibitions, sometimes leading to risky decisions.
*Increase the risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts in vulnerable individuals.

Physical health is also impacted, Heavy or long-term alcohol use by anyone can increase the risk of:

*Liver disease.
*High blood pressure and heart disease.
*Certain cancers.
*Weakened immune function.
*Sexual health risks due to impaired judgment.
Protective factors

You may find the following can help reduce both alcohol-related harm and mental health difficulties:

•Supportive family and friends.
•Community connection and social support.
•Counselling when needed.
•Social activities that are not centered on alcohol.

When should I seek help? If your alcohol use is:

*Interfering with work, school, or relationships
*Being used regularly to cope with emotions
*Leading to blackouts, injuries, or risky behaviour
*Causing concern for you or others

It may be helpful to speak to someone in complete confidence. Here at ACA we offer free, confidential, one-to-one, person centred support without any judgement whether you want to cut down your drinking or stop completely. Please contact us on 01292 281238, e-mail: [email protected] or hit the message button for further information or to make an appointment.

18/06/2026

🌺LONELINESS AWARENESS WEEK🌺

Loneliness and alcohol often feed into each other in a way that can be hard to escape.
When someone feels lonely, alcohol can seem to help because it may temporarily:

• Reduce feelings of sadness or isolation.
• Make social interactions feel easier.
• Provide a distraction from difficult emotions.
• Create a sense of comfort or routine.

The problem is that alcohol's effects are short-lived. Over time, drinking can:

• Worsen mood and increase depression or anxiety.
• Disrupt sleep, making emotional resilience weaker.
• Lead to withdrawing from friends, family, or activities.
• Create shame, guilt, or health problems that increase isolation.

This can become a cycle:

Loneliness → drinking for relief → temporary comfort → worse mood/isolation → more loneliness → more drinking

It may help to ask yourself:

* Do I mostly drink when I'm alone?
* Does drinking leave me feeling more connected, or more isolated afterward?
* Has alcohol become my main way of coping with loneliness?

Breaking the cycle usually works best when both issues are addressed together:

* Reducing alcohol use gradually or seeking support for it.
* Increasing meaningful human connection, even in small ways.
* Joining activities, groups, volunteering, or regular social routines.
* Talking with a trusted friend, family member, counsellor, or support group.

If you are concerned about your drinking & would like some free, confidential information & advice about cutting down or stopping or if you are worried about a loved one who is drinking too much, support is available. Please call 01292 281238, e-mail:[email protected] or hit the message button.

17/06/2026

We are delighted to announce our new outreach service operating from Maybole Connect Hub, starting on 25th June. Please share the good news!

15/06/2026

We are open today as normal from 9am to 5pm.

If you are struggling with your drinking whether you want to cut down or stop completely or if you are worried about a loved ones drinking for free, confidential, one-to-one information & advice please call 01292 281238, e-mail: [email protected] or hit the message button.

14/06/2026

🥴THE MORNING AFTER 🤢

Well done to Scotland!

If your drinking plan or not drinking plan did not quite work out, don’t panic it’s not too late to get back on track. The worst thing you can do for yourself is say stuff it and throw in the towel. Remember the choices you make today can set you up for a better week ahead.

Try some of these tips as opposed to having “hair of the dog” and drinking more alcohol which will only make your situation worse and impact on your emotional & physical health:

🥤Drink plenty of fluids - water is best. Oral rehydration solutions or sports drinks can help replace electrolytes if you're dehydrated.

🍌Eat something gentle - toast, crackers, oats, bananas, eggs, soup, or other easy-to-digest foods can help if your stomach tolerates them.

😴 Get some rest - fatigue is common after drinking because alcohol disrupts sleep quality.

🚶🚶‍♀️Take it easy physically - light movement or a short walk can help some people feel better, but avoid intense exercise if you're dehydrated or dizzy.

🍴Have a balanced meal later: Protein, complex carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables can help you recover.

☕️Avoid too much coffee as itmay make anxiety, shakiness, or dehydration feel worse.

If you would like free, confidential, one-to-one information, advice & support for your drinking whether you wish to stop drinking or cut down or if you are worried about a loved one’s drinking please call 01292 281238, e-mail: [email protected] or hit the message button.

13/06/2026

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿ALCOHOL & THE WORLD CUP 🏆

What about those who choose to remain alcohol free for the next few weeks of football?

Here are some tips which we hope will be useful:

⚽️ Plan ahead and enjoy the excitement of the build up

If you're watching with others, make sure you're surrounded by people you're comfortable with and who support you. If they're people you don't really know, you might end up feeling anxious and more likely to have a drink.

⚽️Get plenty of good nights sleep

Make sure your energy levels are kept topped up

⚽️ Good Communication

Tell people in advance that you're not planning on drinking, particularly if it's new for you or if you're feeling nervous. When you meet up you may feel more comfortable that some of your mates are already on your side about not drinking.

If people ask why you are not drinking it’s up to you what you tell them. If you feel at ease telling them why you are not drinking that’s fine. If you don’t want to talk about it that’s okay too. You may say you’re on medication, you have plans for the next day, alcohol does not agree with you. You may even nominate yourself as tge designated driver.

If anyone challenges your decision to remain alcohol free, stand your ground and be firm. You don’t need to explain yourself to anyone- it should be enough to say NO.

⚽️ Early Bath

If things get a bit rowdy and you think you'll get some stick for saying cheerio, then slip away quietly. If they're good mates, they will understand. You can always send a text the next day and explain.

⚽️Explore alcohol-free options

You may want to try some non-alcoholic beer, lager, cider, wine or spirits. If you don’t feel comfortable drinking these then stick to your favourite soft drink, have a fancy coffee, smoothie or a mocktail.

⚽️Relapse Prevention Strategies

If you do get tempted to drink, think ahead as to how you'll feel the next day. Remember how far you’ve come & how it will feel to undo the good work.

Try the 3 D’s -
*Delay: Postpone the decision to drink for 5, 15, or 30 minutes. Acknowledge the craving, but remind yourself that urges are temporary and will pass.
*Distract: Do something to occupy your mind and hands. The goal is to shift your focus entirely away from the urge until the wave of craving subsides.
*Decide: After the time has passed, make a conscious, rational choice about whether you still want to drink. Often, the urge has faded, making it easier to say no.

Talk to a close friend or family member about how you are feeling or send them a text.

Try to focus on the game, the chat & the atmosphere as opposed to the alcohol.

If you would like some free, confidential, one-to-one support for your drinking whether you wish to stop completely, stay stopped or cut down or if you are concerned about a loved one’s drinking please call 01292 281238, e-mail: [email protected] or hit the message button.

12/06/2026

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Alcohol & the World Cup 🏆

How do you enjoy the next few weeks of non stop football & stay in control of your drinking?

Here are some tips to try:

⚽️Plan ahead

Decide which games you will watch whilst drinking, when you will start drinking, decide what your limit will be and stick to that. Remember that starting drinking too early or drinking too quickly could mean you don’t make it to the final whistle.

⚽️Don’t drink to quench your thirst

If you’re thirsty, then have some water or a soft drink first. It will mean you don’t drink as much or as quickly. By avoiding salty snacks like crisps and nuts, you’ll also not get as thirsty.

⚽️Lower the percentage

Take a look at the ABV when choosing your drinks and choose the lower alcohol options and/or dilute your drinks. Have a shandy or spritzer and use mixers for spirits instead of doing shots.

⚽️Eat before you drink

Having a meal or a snack before you drink will help slow the absorption of alcohol and will mean you don’t drink to fill an empty stomach.

⚽️Avoid drinking in rounds

Buy your own drinks and explain that you don’t want to have to ‘keep up’ with other people’s drinking. Alternatively, order soft drinks or smaller quantities (e.g. half pints) or alcohol free lager for some rounds or skip rounds.

⚽️Be a good mate!

Obviously this means keeping an eye on each other and making sure everyone gets home safely, but it also means not pressuring people into drinking more than they want to. If someone is sitting out a round, having a half or a shandy, or not drinking at all, then that’s their choice. Respect your friends’ choices.

If you would like free, confidential, one-to-one information, advice & support for your own or a loved one’s drinking please call 01292 281238, e-mail: [email protected] or hit the message button. Whether you wish to cut down on your drinking or stop completely……the choice is yours.

Address

Ayr
KA71UB

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 7pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 4pm

Telephone

+441292281238

Website

http://www.acaayr.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ayrshire Council on Alcohol posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to Ayrshire Council on Alcohol:

Want your organisation to be the top-listed Non Profit Organisation in Ayr?