What are my next steps?

Do I need to go to a service? 

It’s normal to feel unsure about whether you need support. If your current drinking habits have been on your mind, our Drinking Check is a good starting point to get a clearer picture of how alcohol might be affecting you.  You can find it at the bottom of this page.

All you need to do is answer up to 10 short questions and you will receive a summary showing your level of risk, alongside practical tips and support options tailored to your results.  

Other reasons to you may decide to contact your local alcohol support service: 

• Cutting back has been challenging, despite previous efforts or it’s been hard to reduce how much you drink, despite trying different approaches 
• Your drinking is linked to trauma or difficult life experiences where professional care is important 
• You’re noticing signs of alcohol dependence, such as withdrawal symptoms or drinking from early in the day

Take our Drinking Check

Please note - If you think you may be dependent on alcohol, stopping suddenly can be dangerous and even life-threatening. If you experience withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating or nausea, speak to your GP or a local alcohol service before reducing or stopping your drinking. They will be able to help you safely reduce your drinking.

What happens when you contact an alcohol support service?

Reaching out for the first time can feel daunting, but alcohol support services are there to welcome you and listen. Teams are friendly, understanding, and trained to help you make sense of what you’re feeling. You don’t need to have everything worked out before you reach out. Many people say they feel a sense of relief simply by talking to someone who cares. 

You can get in touch with an alcohol support service in whatever way feels most comfortable. You do not need to speak to or be referred by your GP to access support. You can call the service directly or complete an online referral form (where available). Check your local options using our service finder. No matter which way you decide to make contact, you’ll be met by someone whose role is to understand what you need. 

Your first appointment is an opportunity for you to talk about your drinking and how it impacts other areas of your life, including your physical and mental health, as well as your relationships with the people around you. The aim is simply to understand what feels right for you and what kind of support could help. 

Support is centered around you. You will work with an alcohol support worker to agree on what you would like to achieve. That might mean cutting down, stopping drinking, or getting clearer information so you can make decisions in your own time. 

Together, you will create a plan that fits your needs. This might include one-on-one sessions, group support, medical help, or practical advice. You will have regular check-ins to see how things are going and adjust the support if your needs change. 

If you need extra help, services can connect you with other free support in your area, such as mental health teams, housing support, employment advice, or family services. The aim is to make sure you have the right people around you. 

Some services will have staff or volunteers who have been in a similar situation to where you are now. Speaking with someone who genuinely understands what you are experiencing can feel deeply reassuring – it shows that change is possible, even when things feel difficult. 

What other support can I reach out to? 

If you’re not ready to contact your local alcohol support service, there are other ways to get help and find space to reflect on your drinking. 

1. Use the resources on our website – Our website has a range of tools and guidance to help you think about your drinking, try moderation techniques, or explore whether you might benefit from further support.
2. Have a chat with someone you trust - A conversation with a friend, family member, or someone who knows you well can be helpful. Sharing what’s on your mind can make things feel more manageable
3. Talk to your GP – A GP can talk with you about your drinking, explore any concerns you have, and discuss what types of support might be helpful based on your situation.
4. Use national helplines and online services - Several free and confidential services provide support by phone or online chat. They provide space to reflect, ask questions, and get clear information about alcohol and wellbeing.
5. Attend peer support groups - Peer-led groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery are available locally and online, offering shared experience, connection, and practical tools if you want support from others who understand alcohol-related challenges. 

Our alcohol support services section provides a range of advice, guidance and support to help you on your journey. 

External links