Advice for problem drinkers

   Getting help

Cutting down doesn’t work?
If you are worried about your own drinking, are finding it hard to cut down or stop, there are many agencies, that offer a confidential service and will be happy to help you.

Alcohol Concern has a directory on its website – www.alcoholconcern.org.uk which will tell you where your nearest alcohol advice agency is. Check to see if there is one in your nearest town by looking in the town Index, or under the section for your county.

You can also check your local phone book for alcohol services – look under ‘Alcohol’ or ‘Counselling’

You can call Drinkline on 0800 917 8282 (calls are free) and they have details of local agencies.

You can find out about self-help groups for relatives and friends of problem drinkers by contacting Al-Anon on 020 7403 0888 (confidential service).

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of self-help groups for problem drinkers; their helpline number is 0845 769 7555 (10am-10pm) or check local press for details of local groups.

There is a large range of books and pamphlets aimed at people whose lives are being affected by alcohol. Your local library or bookshop will probably stock some. Alcohol Concern runs a specialist mail-order bookshop and has a list of publications that may be helpful for problem drinkers and their families. These can be ordered by email at info@alcoholconcern.org.uk, or online from their website www.alcoholconcern.org.uk. There are also a range of factsheets which can be downloaded at no cost.

To advice for affected others section