Support services are available to members of the public concerned about their own or someone else’s drinking.
Speaking to a GP can be an important starting point. They can discuss what help is available locally and the best treatment plan, if relevant.
Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline. Calls are free of charge and the information shared remains confidential. Call: 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9.00am to 8.00pm, weekends 11.00am to 4.00pm).
Local and national health providers can be found using the following links:
- NHS England: search for ‘Drug/Alcohol Problems’ or ‘Alcohol addiction’ with your postcode
- NHS Scotland: simply search for your postcode or area.
- NHS Wales: select ‘Alcohol & Addictions’ and enter your postcode.
- Northern Ireland: The Family Support website, provided by the Department of Health, includes a list of support services which can be filtered by Area Covered.
Specific organisations that offer advice and support include:
- Alcoholics Anonymous – you can use their tool to find a meeting, or call free on 0800 917 7650, email help@aamail.org, or ask any questions in their live chat box.
- Al-Anon UK, for families and friends of people with alcohol problem. They have a confidential Helpline on 0800 0086 811, as well as local meetings you can find here.
- If you are worried about your parent’s drinking, regardless of your age, and want to speak to someone about it, you can contact The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa). Call them free on 0800 358 3456, Monday to Saturday 10am to 7pm.
- Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs provide information and support for family members with confidence, communication, and general well-being, and link them to services and local support services. Free helpline: 08080 101011.
- Adfam is a leading families and addiction charity in England and provides support to families and workforce training.
- Antidote is the UK’s only LGBTQ+ run and targeted drug and alcohol support service.
- Other support organisations include: We Are With You, Change Grow Live, and Waythrough.
Digital support
For people looking to reduce their drinking, there are free apps to download including: