Summer holidays are the devil in disguise. Being on holiday break for such a long time has changed me.

I usually only drink on the weekend or if my friends and I go out to a tavern or a party. But during the holidays, every day is worth celebrating. It’s a 7-day weekend and my friends and I have been raising a glass to freedom every day!

But I’m starting to dread getting back to reality. Thinking about books and deadlines makes me sweat. I’m not sure how I’m going to quit the party lifestyle when term starts.

Drinking is the only way I can relax and forget reality.

Thing is, when you go back home after term, everyone comes and tells you their troubles. They’re happy to share because it helps them feel better – but now you’re carrying that load and that's why you feel sad.

Alcohol is like a counselor. You turn to it when you have problems. When you’re tipsy or drunk you feel carefree, cool and clever. But it’s not real.

Your problems – and your brother’s problems and your neighbours problems and their children’s problems – are all still there in the morning. And sometimes they can seem even bigger.

If you feel this way too, then I hate to say it… but we're in trouble…

Holidays are a time to let loose. But when alcohol is involved, celebration can turn to the blues pretty fast. Instead of using more alcohol to fix that, look hard at the source of the problem and tackle it with a clear head. If you need help to do this, there are people who care.