Where to go for help

What are the signs of problem drinking?

Although most adults drink socially and within the low risk guidelines, about 3% of people will face problems with alcohol dependency in their lifetime. Early signs to look out for are:

  • Frequently drinking to the stage of passing out.
  • Drinking on own or secretly.
  • Feeling unable to get through a day without alcohol.
  • Feeling unable to stop drinking once started.

We also have a factsheet that, in addition to alcohol, covers where to go for help and support around drugs,  gambling, domestic abuse and mental health

How to get help

There are some great places to get help:
The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACOA) – nacoa.org.uk
Action on Addiction – actiononaddiction.org.uk

Adfam provides information and advice for families of alcohol and drug users. The website has a list of local family support services.
Tel: 0207 553 7640 adfam.org.uk

Alateen is part of the Al-Anon fellowship and has been developed for young people, aged 12 to 20, who are affected by a problem drinker.
Tel: 0207 403 0888
al-anonuk.org.uk/alateen/

Childline provides confidential help and counselling for young people.
Tel: 0800 1111 (Freephone)
childline.org.uk

Drinkline – If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline, in complete confidence. They can put you in touch with your local alcohol advice centre for help and advice.
Tel: 0300 123 1110

The Samaritans – samaritans.org

We Are With You provides treatment, help and advice about alcohol and drugs for young people and adults. It manages more than 120 services in 80 locations in England and Scotland.
wearewithyou.org.uk

Further sources of information

Here are some good youth-friendly websites offering information and advice on alcohol:
Talk About Alcohol –
talkaboutalcohol.com

Here you’ll find quizzes, interactive games and facts about alcohol.
The Mix – themix.org.uk

Talk To Frank – talktofrank.com

One Too Many – onetoomany.co
20 questions for older teenagers to assess their ‘Alcohol Related Social Embarrassment’ score.

Young Minds – youngminds.org.uk

Riseabove –
riseabove.org.uk/tag/drinking-smoking-drugs/
Riseabove has interesting and useful information to help get you talking about the things that matter. You’ll find inspiring and useful stories, videos, games and advice.