Change Grow Live ADVICE AND INFO FIND LOCAL SUPPORT STORIES Search for something Submit search query Search Alcohol treatment options - adult services If you or someone you know wants to get support with alcohol, there's lots of help available. Here are some of the common treatment options for people with an alcohol problem. You can also find out how these options can help you to make positive changes. Everyone’s journey from alcohol problems is different. The right treatment for you will depend on your experiences and your current situation. All of our services are slightly different, so please contact your local service directly to discuss the support that's right for you. Typically, your options will include: Making changes yourself If you’re not at risk of withdrawal, you can work on cutting down or quitting alcohol yourself. We put together a list of steps you can take to address your drinking and make positive changes. How to cut down on your drinking If you drink every day and notice unpleasant withdrawal effects when you aren't drinking, you shouldn’t quit alcohol suddenly. It can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Get in touch with your local treatment service to arrange a safe detox. Groups and meetings Making positive changes in your life is a lot easier with the help of other people. Recovery groups and meetings are a chance for people with similar experiences to help and inspire each other. Peer support You can take part in group sessions and meetings at most Change Grow Live drug and alcohol services. There are also lots of other options for getting group support. Some of them involve therapy that focuses on thoughts and behaviour, such as SMART recovery. Others like Alcoholics Anonymous focus on peer support from other people with similar experiences. There are also online groups like Breaking Free Online. You can find more groups and support options further down this page. Detox An alcohol detox will probably be the recommended path for you if you’re dependent on alcohol. An alcohol dependency means you are drinking alcohol every day and have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when you are not drinking. The detox will be part of a bigger recovery plan, and a medical professional will oversee everything and guide you through it. This might be an in-patient treatment at a service or medical facility, or it could be something you do at home. You might be given medication to help you with the detox, and the withdrawal in particular. A detox isn’t the end of treatment – it’s usually the beginning of your recovery. You’ll probably need to follow it up with regular support, whether that’s one-to-one meetings, counselling, or joining a support group. Medication If you’re dependent on alcohol, you might be prescribed medication that can help you manage withdrawal symptoms as you cut down your drinking, help with managing cravings, or help you to stop drinking completely. These medications work in different ways, and most of them will work best along with other treatments, such as therapy or group support. Speak to your doctor to find out more about medication, or get in touch with your local service. Our services in Scotland We don’t prescribe any medication at our Scottish services, but we work closely with partners in the NHS. We will make sure you can access any prescribing and other health services you need to reach your goals. Get advice and support I need help now Take the alcohol quiz Peer support options Advice for professionals Find your local service Find a service for: Please select Alcohol and drugs Children's rights Domestic abuse Work, training & education Families Health and wellbeing Housing Justice and health Residential rehab Street outreach Young people within 10 miles 20 miles 30 miles 40 miles of Go What did you think of this page? About us: News and views Our story Our people How we work Mission, vision and values Service user involvement Annual report Resources Careers and volunteering: Careers Career development Supporting you Moving to Change Grow Live Volunteer with us Peer mentoring Get in touch: Contact us or give feedback Find a service I need help now Donate Connect staff intranet Legal: Modern slavery statement Accessibility statement Privacy Cookies © Copyright 2021 Change Grow Live. All rights reserved. twitter facebook youtube We have placed cookies on your device to improve your experience on this site. If you are OK with this, please click 'I agree'. Read our cookie policy and see how to block cookies here. I agree