Getting Help: Where to Turn If Drinking Becomes a Problem
If you are worried about your own drinking or someone else's, you are not alone — and help works. Millions of people have changed their relationship with alcohol, and support is free, confidential and available today.
Signs that drinking may be a problem
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that ranges from mild to severe. Ask yourself whether, in the past year, you have:
- Ended up drinking more, or for longer, than you intended?
- Wanted to cut down or stop, or tried to, but couldn't?
- Spent a lot of time drinking, or being sick or getting over the after-effects?
- Had strong cravings or urges to drink?
- Found that drinking — or being sick from drinking — interfered with home, family, work or studies?
- Continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with family or friends?
- Given up activities you enjoyed in order to drink?
- Got into situations while or after drinking that increased your chances of getting hurt, such as driving, swimming or unsafe sex?
- Kept drinking even though it made you feel depressed or anxious, or worsened another health problem?
- Had to drink much more than before to get the effect you want?
- Experienced withdrawal symptoms when the effects wore off — trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart or seizures?
These questions are based on the symptoms of AUD used by doctors, as summarised by the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Answering "yes" to two or more may be a sign of a problem — and a good reason to talk to a doctor or one of the services below. This checklist is not a diagnosis.
Free, confidential helplines
| Country | Service | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| USA | SAMHSA National Helpline — free, confidential, 24/7, in English and Spanish; treatment referral and information | 1-800-662-4357 (1-800-662-HELP) · findtreatment.gov |
| USA | NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator — find evidence-based care | alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov |
| USA | 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — if you are in emotional crisis | Call or text 988 |
| UK | Drinkline — free, confidential alcohol helpline | 0300 123 1110 |
| UK | Samaritans — 24/7 emotional support | 116 123 |
| Ireland | HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline | 1800 459 459 |
| Australia | National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline | 1800 250 015 |
| Canada | Provincial health lines and local services | Call 811 in most provinces; crisis: call or text 988 |
Phone numbers and services can change; please check the organisation's official website if a number doesn't connect. In an emergency, call 911, 999, 112 or your local emergency number.
Treatment options
- Talk to your doctor. A primary-care doctor can assess your drinking, check your health and recommend treatment.
- Behavioural therapies: counselling approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy and motivational enhancement therapy help build skills to stop or reduce drinking.
- Medications: in the USA, naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram are approved to help people stop or reduce drinking and prevent relapse. They are prescribed and monitored by a doctor.
- Mutual-support groups: Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org), SMART Recovery (smartrecovery.org) and other groups offer free peer support, in person and online.
- Inpatient or outpatient programmes for more intensive support.
Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, causing seizures or delirium tremens (DTs). If you drink heavily and regularly, talk to a doctor about safely reducing or stopping, which may include medically supervised detox.
If you want to cut down
- Track your drinks for two weeks in standard drinks — the numbers are often surprising. Use our calculator.
- Set clear limits and alcohol-free days.
- Keep less alcohol at home.
- Identify triggers — stress, boredom, certain people or places — and plan alternatives.
- Explore alcohol-free drinks you genuinely enjoy.
- Tell a friend or family member about your goal.
- Try an alcohol-free month and notice changes in sleep, mood, energy and money.
Worried about someone else?
- Choose a calm, private moment when they are sober.
- Use "I" statements: "I'm worried about you because…" rather than accusations.
- Be specific about behaviours you have noticed and how they affect you.
- Offer to help find information or go to an appointment together.
- Look after yourself too. Al-Anon and Alateen (al-anon.org) offer support for families and friends of people with drinking problems.
- If there is violence or you feel unsafe, contact emergency services or a domestic violence helpline (USA: 1-800-799-7233).
For young people
If you are under the legal drinking age and worried about alcohol — your own drinking or someone at home — talk to a trusted adult, school counsellor or doctor. In the USA you can also call the SAMHSA National Helpline or text/call 988 if you are struggling. In the UK, Childline is available on 0800 1111.
Recovery is possible, and asking for help is a sign of strength. You don't need to have "hit rock bottom" to deserve support.
Frequently asked questions
Is the SAMHSA helpline really free and confidential?
Yes. The SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental health or substance use disorders.
What is alcohol use disorder?
Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative consequences. It can be mild, moderate or severe, and it is treatable.
Can I get help without going to rehab?
Yes. Many people are treated by their primary-care doctor with counselling and/or medication, or find support through groups like AA or SMART Recovery. Residential treatment is only one option.
