Get help now
Deciding to get help with your drinking is a significant and positive first step. The good news is that there is help available, and there are different types of support that you can access.
If you think you could be drinking too much, there is a variety of support available. You may not be sure if you need support with your drinking, but we can help you with that.
Look for symptoms
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, or still unsure if you need help, it can be a good idea to be aware of some warning signs.
- You often feel the need to drink
- You get into trouble because of your drinking
- Other people warn you about how much you’re drinking
- You think your drinking is causing you problems
Check your drinking
Many of us don’t really know if we’re drinking at a harmful level. To find out how your drinking could be impacting your health, a good first step is to complete the Drinkaware Drinking Check.
The Drinking Check takes just a few minutes to complete and can help to see if the amount you drink could be putting your health at serious risk. It can also identify whether you might be at high risk of alcohol dependence. To ensure you get the most accurate result, and the best advice for you, try to be completely honest with yourself. If you think you weren’t the first time, give it another go.
Talk to someone
If you think that you might be at risk of alcohol dependence, either your GP surgery or a local self-referral alcohol or substance use support service should be your first port of call.
For many people, it can be hard to discuss your drinking with anyone. If, for any reason, you feel nervous discussing your drinking with a health professional, you might like to take someone along with you. You can also ask for a telephone appointment.
A health professional at your GP surgery should know what to do and can give you confidential advice on how to access the right support for you. They can also advise on whether that service is open to self-referral or if you need to be referred into the service.
Be aware of the risks of stopping if dependent
For most people looking to stop drinking there is no need to seek medical advice. However, if you are heavily dependent on alcohol, it’s important for you to seek medical advice before you stop drinking completely as it can be dangerous, and even kill you. Speak to a health professional at your GP surgery or an advisor at your local alcohol support service first to ensure that you reduce your drinking safely.
Find the right support
Alcohol treatment is provided confidentially, through the NHS and various other organisations, as a free service. Private alcohol support services are also available for anyone who can afford to seek that type of help.
Wherever you live in the UK, there will be a service that can offer both support and treatment for adults with alcohol-related problems.
There are three main ways you can get help:
- Through your GP surgery, which can provide you with advice or refer you for extra support
- Contact a local treatment provider and refer yourself
- Or contact a local community alcohol support service like AA or SMART Recovery directly
Last Reviewed: 6th December 2021
Next Review due: 6th December 2024