Help and support with alcohol

If you're concerned about your drinking a good first step is to visit your GP.

Be honest with them about how much you drink. They'll discuss the help, support, services and treatments available.

Knowing when alcohol is a problem

For a lot of drinkers realising you have a problem with alcohol is the first, and often the hardest, step to getting better.

You may need help if:

• you always feel the need to have a drink
• you get into trouble because of your drinking
• other people are concerned about how much you’re drinking

Your GP may give you a copy of Making a Change. This can help you make positive choices about the amount you drink.

Alternatively, your GP may suggest referring you to:

• a local community alcohol support service
• local support groups
• counselling

Cutting down is a good start

Cutting down or stopping drinking is often just the beginning.

Most people will need some degree of help to maintain control of their drinking in the long term.

Getting support — beyond family, friends or carers — is crucial to understanding and overcoming the issues as to why you are drinking.

There are many recovery communities and support groups across Scotland. Here people provide peer support to help you cut down or give up alcohol.

Some groups meet up and others can be accessed online at Scottish Recovery Consortium.

If you are worried or concerned about someone else’s drinking there is support available.