I have been requested to add information regarding where to seek help or advice (UK) when someone wishes to address a problem with alcohol misuse.

Speaking to your GP is a good idea, because it is sometimes not safe to suddenly stop drinking alcohol, after a prolonged period of consistent or heavy drinking.

You may prefer to speak to someone else before speaking to your doctor, in which case it would be advisable to have an assessment at local alcohol/drug agency, who will advise you and suggest a plan that will suit you.

It is normal for anyone to have some apprehension or anxiety about beginning a process such as this, when it is something that they have never done previously. Someone I spoke to recently told me he did not want to be involved in a group activity where people shared information.

I suggested that as well as having one-to-one sessions, he would benefit from a group setting as well.

There may be particular thoughts or types of behaviour that an alcoholic has, that they consider is just pertaining to them, but when talking to other people who have been misusing alcohol, they realise that other people have the same problems as they do.

Strength in numbers.

When a group of people with the same problem and the same goal get together, their strength grows, because they form a bond which supports and encourages each other. A lot of people have a tendency to form an inaccurate assessment of  group activity, based on what they have seen on fictional TV programs.

The biggest fear, is fear of the unknown.

There is no one-size-fits-all of course, so having a non-committal chat with someone who will be pleased to help you, will allay any unnecessary anxiety. You can chat to someone using Online Chat or speak on the phone, or contact them by email. You can then plan your journey into recovery, and look forward to changing your life for the better.

 

Help and Advice

At the time of writing, I am in Bournemouth, therefore the first link will be for local services.

BEAT
(Bournemouth Engagement and Assessment Team)

Contact

• 01202 558855, Monday to Friday
• online referral

Drop In

6 Trinity House
161 Old Christchurch Road
Bournemouth
BH1 1JU

The BEAT is a ‘one stop’ shop, offering advice, information and support to anyone affected by drugs and/or alcohol (individuals, families, friends, carers and concerned others)

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Drinkchat

Free online chat service for anyone who is looking for information or advice about their own, or someone else’s, drinking. Our trained advisors are on hand to give you confidential advice.

Drinkchat is available from 9am-2pm on weekdays.

Chat with an advisor

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We Are With You (formerly Addaction)

UK-wide treatment agency, helping individuals, families and communities to manage the effects of drug and alcohol misuse. If you are over 50 and have concerns about your drinking, you can also call the helpline.

Helpline: 0808 801 0750

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Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Great Britain

AA supports the recovery and continued sobriety of individuals. Meetings are available online and in person.

 Helpline: 0800 917 7650

 Email helpline: help@aamail.org

 

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If you do what you always did, you’ll get what you always got.