Where to access alcohol support and treatment services
Alcohol support and treatment services provide help to many people across the UK every day. Find out how they work and where you can access them.
How to access support
If you think you might be dependent on alcohol and are looking to get support or treatment for your drinking, there are three main ways you can get free and confidential help.
- Through your GP surgery, which can provide you with advice or refer you for extra support
- Contact a local approved treatment provider and refer yourself
- Or contact a local community alcohol support service such as AA or SMART Recovery directly
Another option you may want to consider is private treatment if you can afford that type of help. If you would like to attend a private clinic or are looking for help for someone else, it’s important to check that the private treatment clinic you choose to go with is CQC registered to provide quality care.
Other ways you might access support
There are a range of other services that may refer you for further alcohol support or treatment, if you are already in contact with them.
These might include:
- Hospital alcohol liaison services
- Social services
- Mental health services
- Different parts of the Criminal Justice Service including probation service; liaison and diversion services; prison; community rehab providers
- Outreach services such as homeless support services
How treatment providers and support services work
Deciding to access alcohol treatment can feel like a scary experience but getting the right treatment and support works for many people.
Treatment providers offer a structured alcohol treatment service that is delivered by a recovery care plan following a full assessment of your needs.
Local community support services, or groups, offer more informal support and are sometimes run by volunteers or people with direct experience of alcohol problems. These services include peer support, social meetings, workshops and practical help with housing or employment as well as referrals to other services.
Support groups often run alongside structured treatment. You can also attend and seek help from a local support service or group without treatment, as part of your own self-help routine to cut down and control your drinking or stop alcohol completely.
Drinkaware do not endorse the organisations on this list. The content on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is intended for information purposes only for those seeking alcohol support or treatment.
If you’re worried about your drinking or concerned about someone else, support is available. No matter where you live in the UK, our service finder can help you locate your local, free and confidential alcohol support service.
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