Many of us enjoy a drink as part of a social occasion or a meal, and alcohol is often used as part of celebrations. But drinking above the recommended limits for alcohol can increase your risk of stroke, and it can also affect your recovery and wellbeing.
These pages look at how alcohol can affect you after a stroke, with tips on drinking within the recommended limits. This information is also available in accessible formats.
Can you drink after you've had a stroke?
If you have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA or mini-stroke), it’s a good idea to get some individual advice about alcohol. It’s likely you can drink, but it may be more important to stick within the guidelines on drinking.
Support
Our Stroke Support Helpline offers information and support for anyone affected by stroke, including family, friends and carers. Call us on 0303 3033 100, from a textphone 18001 0303 3033 100 or email helpline@stroke.org.uk.
Other sources of help and information
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers information and support for anyone concerned about their own drinking. Helpline: 0800 9177 650
- Al-Anon has information and support for anybody affected by someone else’s drinking. Helpline: 0800 008 6811
- Alcohol Change (England and Wales) offers information and sources of help for people with alcohol-related problems.
- Alcohol Focus Scotland promotes responsible drinking information and advice in Scotland. Drinkline Scotland: 0800 7314 314
- DAN 24/7 (Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline/Cyffuriau ac Alcohol Cymru) is a free, bilingual 24-hour helpline for advice on drugs and alcohol in Wales. Tel: 0808 808 2234
- Drinkaware encourages safe alcohol drinking levels, with tips to help you cut down and support via their online chat and phone services. Drinkline: 0300 123 1100
Accessible resources
Access this section's content in various offline formats:
- Download our PDF or large print Word document.
- Order a printed copy from our shop.
- To request a braille copy, email feedback@stroke.org.uk.