How to get help if you think you have a drinking problem

Alcohol occupies a significant place in Australian culture and is consumed in a wide range of social circumstances.

One in four people (25.8 per cent or five million people) aged 18 years and over exceeded the guideline in 2020–21. This includes those who either consumed more than 10 drinks in the past week and/or consumed five or more drinks on any day at least monthly in the past 12 months (12 occasions per year).

So, a drinking problem does not always look like vodka for breakfast, total blackouts and an inability to hold down a job. Lots of people might be struggling with alcohol in less obvious ways.

So, what if you’re concerned about your own drinking habits?

If you can’t socialise without alcohol, find it hard to sleep or relax without a drink, or perhaps even find your memory is suffering or relationships are strained as a result, it may be worth seeking support.

Read: Ways to relax without alcohol

Drinking problems look different for everyone

First and foremost, a drinking problem can look different for different people.

“An alcoholic isn’t the person sitting on a park bench drinking out of a brown paper bag,” says Nick Conn, founder and CEO of help4addiction.co.uk. “An alcoholic is someone who has a drink and finds it hard to stop.

“The line is consequences,” he adds. “If there are starting to be health, emotional, financial or professional consequences, you may start feeling there is an issue.”

Understanding why you drink

Consultant psychiatrist Dr David McLaughlan suggests looking for patterns around when, why and how you’re consuming alcohol.

“It is important to understand your drinking motivations. Alcohol serves a purpose for people – be it because it helps you cope with difficult emotions, maybe because it helps you socially conform, or because it enhances experiences or social cohesion. Whatever the reason, it is important to know,” says Dr McLaughlan.

Read: Older Australians more likely to abuse alcohol, study finds

“If you put the kids to bed and immediately open and drink a bottle of wine as a relaxant or a reward, there will be other ways to reward and relax you instead of drinking. What will serve the purpose that alcohol served?” he says.

“Look at what drinking is costing you in every sense, and what it will cost you to stop and make that decision.”

Seeking help

As problematic drinking or alcoholism can be different for different people, the type of help you need may also sometimes vary. “If you are a heavy daily drinker, you should speak to a doctor first and foremost before stopping drinking. You may need a medically assisted detox,” says Dr McLaughlan.

Tackling an alcohol problem isn’t just about avoiding or getting rid of booze, either. Having the right support in place to help you explore the roots of the issue and develop healthier coping strategies can be really important.

“Drink is not the problem – it is a solution to what may be going on inside you, such as mental illness or trauma,” says Mr Conn. “Intensive therapy is often the best way to treat this, but you have to work within the resources you have. Be it group therapy, one-to-one therapy or both, there are a few ways to get that support, residentially or as an outpatient.”

Anybody needing help with mental health and addiction of any form should speak to their doctor if they are able to – they may be able to make helpful suggestions about services in your area or refer you for specialist help.

The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline is a 24/7 service that provides free and confidential advice, information and counselling about alcohol and other drugs.

Online Alcohol & Drug Counselling provides free drug and alcohol counselling with a professional counsellor via online chat or email, as well as forums, self-help and other tools.

Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the most popular support groups in the world for alcohol-related problems. It aims to help people attain and maintain long-term recovery through a 12 step programme that’s been used over decades, helping millions of people.

GROW is a community-based organisation that empowers those with mental health issues. It is a free, peer-to-peer led support group that offers practical advice through shared experience.

“It is not a one-size-fits-all fix and everyone has different needs and beliefs, but as far as free support, it is a good place to start,” says Mr Conn, who adds that anyone can access these services (you don’t need to meet a certain ‘level’ of alcoholism to qualify).

Telling people

“Speaking to family and friends and looking into mental health and addiction charities may be helpful. However, a lot of people struggle to talk about their alcohol issues because it is so stigmatised,” Dr McLaughlan acknowledges.

But telling people might be an important part of the picture.

“Getting support may start with being open and honest with those you love – secrets keep you sick,” says Mr Conn. “Alcoholism wants to be hidden, so the best thing to do is be open and honest with those around you.”

Read: Is alcohol a stimulant or depressant?

Apps and social media 

For some people, online and self-help services and support groups, apps and even social media might prove helpful.

“Follow sober influencers, because they may be offering helpful tips,” Mr Conn suggests. “Follow accounts and friends who are willing to support you. Perhaps don’t follow non-alcoholic drinks accounts, as they may trigger you.

“Connecting with like-minded people is very important,” he adds. “Sober Grid and I Am Sober are apps that can be quite helpful.”

Do you know where to turn to get help for a drinking problem? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

– With PA