As with any addiction, if you are dependent on alcohol (an alcoholic), the first step is to acknowledge that you have a problem. Once you have accepted that you have a problem, the next step is to seek help.

If you have an alcohol problem, there are many different professional services and support groups that can help you to reduce your alcohol consumption and give you the advice and support that you need to stop drinking altogether.

Group therapy sessions, or one-to-one counselling with trained medical and psychiatric professionals, are two common methods that may be recommended if you have an alcohol-related problem. As well as attending therapy sessions, you may also receive specific treatment for any associated nutritional problems, or other secondary effects that you may have.

Self help

It is estimated that about one in three people who have an alcohol problem are able to reduce their drinking or stop drinking altogether without the need for professional help. There are many self-help books, leaflets and websites available that offer help and advice about how you can stop or reduce drinking.

Counselling

Some people who have a drinking problem find it extremely useful to talk about their situation with their GP or practice nurse. You may then be referred to a specially trained counsellor, who will discuss in more detail the issues surrounding your drinking problem and help you to plan how you can control and manage your drinking. Sometimes, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is used to treat alcoholism. This therapy is designed to help you change your attitude and behaviour towards alcohol.

Treating other conditions

Sometimes, drinking alcohol is used to mask a range of other, underlying health problems. For example, people with an alcohol-related problem often also have problems with stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health problems. If you feel you may have a mental health problem, you should see your GP, who will be able to prescribe medication or recommend other forms of treatment for you.

Always remember that heavy drinking is not the answer, and in the long-term, it is likely to make any underlying condition that you have worse.

Detoxification

Detoxification (detox) is a process that involves taking a short course of medication in order to prevent you having withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking alcohol. Benzodiazepine medicines, such as chlordiazepoxide, are often used for detox. Usually, a high dose of medication will be prescribed for the first day that you stop drinking alcohol, before being gradually reduced over the next five to seven days. This should reduce any unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that you might otherwise have. You should not drink any alcohol during the period of detoxification.

Staying off alcohol

Sometimes, people who successfully go through the detox process start drinking again at some point, and it may take several attempts before you manage to significantly reduce your alcohol consumption or are able to stop altogether.
However, you are more likely to be successful if you have counselling or other support from your family, friends, your GP, local alcohol support groups and other self-help groups.