Overview
Realising you have a problem with alcohol is the first big step to getting help.
You may need help if:
you often feel the need to have a 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
A good place to start is with a GP. Try to be accurate and honest about how much you drink and any problems it may be causing you.
If you have become dependent on alcohol, you will have found it difficult to fully control your drinking in some way.
So you'll probably need some help either to cut down and control your drinking or stop completely, and also some plans to maintain the improvement after that.
The GP may suggest different types of assessment and support options available to you, such as from local community alcohol services.
You can also ask about any free local support groups and other alcohol
Realising you have a problem with alcohol is the first big step to getting help.
You may need help if:
you often feel the need to have a 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
A good place to start is with a GP. Try to be accurate and honest about how much you drink and any problems it may be causing you.
If you have become dependent on alcohol, you will have found it difficult to fully control your drinking in some way.
So you'll probably need some help either to cut down and control your drinking or stop completely, and also some plans to maintain the improvement after that.
The GP may suggest different types of assessment and support options available to you, such as from local community alcohol services.
You can also ask about any free local support groups and other alcohol counselling that may suit you.
Find alcohol support services in your area
If you have become physically dependent and need to stop drinking completely, stopping overnight could be harmful.
You should get advice about this and about any medicine you may need to do this safely.
The sorts of mild or moderate withdrawal symptoms that suggest you may need medicine include:
anxiety after waking
sweating and mild tremors
nausea or retching in the morning
vomiting
Call 999 if you have severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, including:
hallucinations
severe tremors
seizures or fits