Alcohol

Stopping Drinking/Treatment

• The First Step. Realise and accept that there is a problem.
• Commit to Quitting. Once a decision is taken to quit plans can be made to ensue success.
• Seek Advice. This is available from GP’s and may also involve a community team or specialist care, maybe admission to a treatment unit or psychiatric hospital.
• Gradual reduction in drinking will help to avoid withdrawal symptoms. A chronic drinker may be prescribed medication, such as diazepam, for a short time after stopping drinking.
• Other drug treatments can be used although they may cause unpleasant side effects when even a small amount of alcohol is consumed. Some reduce the craving for alcohol
• Treatment may be required for the physical complications of alcoholism.
• Get Support. Contact Alcoholics Anonymous or another advice agency, they will provide the support and tools you need to quit. Also ask for help and support from friends and family.

• « Complications
• Further help and advice »