Where to Get Help

If you're concerned about your drinking, or if you recognise patterns in this chapter that hit close to home, there are organisations that can help — confidentially, without judgement, and often for free:

• Drinkline — the national alcohol helpline: 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm)
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) — meetings across the UK, online and in person: 0800 917 7650 or aa.org.uk
• Al-Anon — support for families and friends affected by someone else's drinking: 0800 008 6811
• SMART Recovery UK — science-based mutual support groups: smartrecovery.org.uk
• Alcohol Change UK — information, advice, and the Dry January campaign: alcoholchange.org.uk
• Your GP — your doctor can assess your drinking, check your liver function, and refer you to specialist services

There is no shame in asking for help. The shame would be in knowing you needed it and not asking.