Arielle Cruz
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), commonly known as alcoholism, is a prevalent medical condition. Individuals suffering from AUD are unable to stop drinking, even when their alcohol consumption negatively impacts their lives and the lives of those around them. AUD can range from mild to severe and often co-occurs with other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, and other substance use disorders. Recognizing an alcohol problem is the first step towards recovery, but it can also be the most challenging. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use, there are various support options available, including local community alcohol services, free helplines, and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Seeking professional help from a healthcare provider or therapist is crucial in determining the severity of AUD and developing an appropriate treatment plan, which may include medication and behavioral therapy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First step | Realising you have a problem with alcohol |
| Who to call | A healthcare provider or your GP |
| Other helplines | SAMHSA's National Helpline, Drinkline, Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Alateen, We Are With You, Adfam |
| Treatment | Medication, behavioural therapy, inpatient medical treatment, residential rehabilitation |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Call your general practitioner (GP)
Recognizing that you have a problem with alcohol is the first step towards getting better. If you think you may have an alcohol use disorder, you should consider calling your general practitioner (GP). They will recommend treatments and resources to help you recover and maintain your improvement.
When you call your GP, be honest about how much you drink and any problems it may be causing you. Your GP will suggest different types of assessment and support options available to you, such as local community alcohol services or free local support groups. They may also recommend inpatient medical treatment or residential rehabilitation, depending on the severity of your condition.
If you have become physically dependent on alcohol, your GP will advise you on how to stop drinking safely. They may suggest different medicines to help you through the process. Your GP can also provide you with referrals to counsellors or psychologists who specialize in addiction.
Remember that seeking help for your alcohol problem is a sign of strength. It is important to take that first step and reach out to your GP, who will provide you with the support and guidance you need to recover.
If you are concerned about a loved one's drinking problem, you can also call your GP to seek advice on how to approach the topic and offer support. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this situation, and there are resources available to help you through this challenging journey.
Alcohol and Steel: A Chemical Reaction Mystery
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Alcohol helplines, e.g. Drinkline, SAMHSA's National Helpline
If you think you may have an alcohol problem, there are several helplines you can call to get help and support. Here are some options:
Drinkline
Drinkline is a free and confidential helpline for people concerned about their drinking or the drinking of someone else. The helpline number is 0300 123 1110 and is open weekdays from 9 am to 8 pm and on weekends from 11 am to 4 pm.
Alcohol Change UK
Alcohol Change UK offers a variety of support options for those struggling with alcohol. They suggest taking a drinking quiz to see if your drinking is affecting your health. If your score is 15 or more, you may want to discuss it with your GP or a local alcohol service. If your score is 20 or more, you are at risk of alcohol dependence, and they advise speaking to a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provides a helpline that is open 24/7 on 0800 9177 650. They also offer email support at [email protected] and live chat via their website. AA supports the recovery and continued sobriety of individuals through online and in-person meetings.
SAMHSA's National Helpline
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a free, confidential, 24/7 helpline for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. The helpline number is 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and is available in English and Spanish. They also offer a text messaging service called HELP4U for confidential treatment referrals.
Al-Anon
Al-Anon offers support and understanding to families and friends of individuals with alcohol dependence. They provide a confidential helpline at 0800 0086 811, open from 10 am to 10 pm.
Other Resources
There are also other resources available, such as local community alcohol services, online support groups, and healthcare providers who can diagnose and treat alcohol use disorders. It is important to remember that treatment and support are available, and seeking help is the first step towards getting better.
Pennsylvania's Legal Alcohol Limit Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
AA was founded in 1935 in Akron, Ohio, by Wilson ("Bill W.") and Dr. Robert Smith ("Dr. Bob"), and grew out of Wilson's experiences as a patient at Towns Hospital in New York. Wilson learned from Dr. Silkworth that alcoholism affects the mind, emotions, and body. Convinced by these insights, Dr. Bob took his last alcoholic drink on 10 June 1935, a date regarded as the inception of AA. Wilson and Dr. Bob began working with alcoholics at the Akron City Hospital, and one patient who achieved sobriety joined them, forming the foundation of what became known as Alcoholics Anonymous.
In 1938, Dr. Bob and Bill created The Alcoholic Foundation in New York, bringing in friends of John D. Rockefeller Jr. as board members. Rockefeller advised against large contributions, and the foundation opened a small office in New York to handle inquiries and distribute the Alcoholics Anonymous book. Media coverage in 1939 generated a surge of interest and requests for help, and by the end of 1940, membership had grown to 2,000.
AA's program of recovery is based on the Twelve Steps, influenced by the Oxford Group's six steps and various readings, including William James's *The Varieties of Religious Experience*. AA has faced criticism for the perceived religious nature of its approach, allegations of cult-like elements, and the practice of "thirteenth-stepping," where senior members engage romantically with newer members. However, AA maintains that its program works and that its members are committed to helping alcoholics stop drinking.
Get Licensed to Sell Cigarettes and Alcohol in California
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Local community alcohol services and support groups
If you are based in the UK, there are several local community alcohol support services and groups that you can reach out to. The NHS provides a national and local service directory postcode search function for various services, including residential alcohol rehabilitation services in England and Wales. Change Grow Live Directory is another large alcohol treatment service provider charity that covers England, Scotland, and Wales and has a postcode search function for its services. Drinkaware also provides a directory for local and national alcohol support agencies in Wales, as well as national listings. In Northern Ireland, Drinkaware provides information on alcohol support services for adults, young people, and specific groups, including community-based adult services and residential addiction treatment centres.
If you are based in the US, you can reach out to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). They have developed a guide called Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention for Youth: A Practitioner's Guide to aid healthcare providers with young people who have alcohol problems. You can also contact your primary care provider, health insurance plan, local health department, or employee assistance program for information about specialty treatment. Additionally, you can contact the National Helpline by SAMHSA, which is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Regardless of your location, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a well-known support group that offers a 12-step program modelled towards personal recovery and growth. They provide free and confidential peer support and have a postcode directory to find a meeting near you, covering England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the United States. Al-Anon Family Groups is another international fellowship that provides support for families and friends of alcoholics, with meetings serving as confidential and safe spaces to discuss difficulties and learn from others.
It is important to remember that seeking professional help is a personal choice, and you should feel respected, understood, and trusted by the person or organization you choose to help you.
Salicylic Acid Peels: Alcohol Base or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Treatment facilities
There are various organisations that can help you find the right treatment facility for your needs. SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential referral service that provides information and referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organisations. They can be contacted 24/7, 365 days a year, and they have phone and text services. They can also refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid.
Another well-known organisation is the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, which is a leading nonprofit addiction and mental health treatment provider with locations across the United States. They offer comprehensive care, including inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment, mental health services, virtual addiction treatment programs, and recovery support services such as virtual and phone-based coaching, web tools, and mobile apps.
Additionally, there are support groups and programs for friends and family members of people with alcohol problems, such as Al-Anon and Alateen. These groups provide a space for loved ones to share their experiences, offer support, and learn more about alcohol use disorders.
Standard Shot Glass Measurements: How Many ML?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
If you think you have an alcohol problem, the first step is to speak to a healthcare provider or your GP. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and refer you to support services. You can also contact the National Helpline for Mental Health, Drug, and Alcohol Issues, which is a free and confidential referral service.
It can be difficult to know what to do when a loved one has an alcohol problem. You may want to start by expressing your concerns when they are sober and providing facts about how alcohol affects health. You can suggest activities that don't involve drinking and encourage them to seek counselling or attend support group meetings. You can also contact support groups for friends and family of people with alcohol problems, such as Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, and Alateen.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can manifest in various ways. You may experience increased tolerance, requiring more alcohol to achieve the desired effect, or withdrawal symptoms such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart, feeling uneasy or unhappy, a general sense of being unwell, feeling low, or seizures. AUD is often accompanied by mental health conditions such as depressive and anxiety disorders.
Treatment options for alcohol problems include medication and behavioural therapy. Behavioural treatment focuses on counselling to change drinking behaviour, and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offer a 12-step programme to help individuals get sober. Other treatments may include inpatient medical treatment or residential rehabilitation for severe cases.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger due to alcohol consumption, call 911 or your local emergency services number.
