Starting the journey to overcome alcoholism is no small feat. The first step, recognizing there is a problem, often takes courage and self-awareness.
But once you are ready, there is a vast array of resources and support systems available to help you succeed.
If you’re struggling with alcohol abuse or wondering how you can help someone with alcoholism, this article offers guidance on identifying alcohol-related challenges, setting realistic goals, and finding the right treatment and support options for you.
At PCP we believe that we can help people struggling with problematic drinking by educating them on the treatment choices that can help them take control of their journey. Recovery is possible, and the support you need is out there—this guide will help you find it.
Key Points
Identifying and admitting you have a problem with alcohol is the first step to recovery and getting help.
Creating a supportive environment, following a structured treatment plan, and committing to long-term counselling helps in maintaining lasting sobriety.
Treatment options like behavioural therapies, medications and support groups like AA can make all the difference.
Statistics on Alcoholism in the UK
- In 2022, there were 10,048 alcohol-specific deaths in the UK, marking a record high with 16.6 deaths per 100,000 people, which represents a 4.2% increase from 2021 and a 32.8% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
- Alcoholic liver disease is a major contributor, accounting for 77% of these deaths.
- In England alone there were over 320,000 alcohol-related hospital admissions in 2022/23. In 2021-22, approximately 74,000 individuals were admitted for alcohol treatment in England, reflecting a 2% increase from the previous year.
- However, only 18% of individuals dependent on alcohol access treatment, highlighting a substantial treatment gap
- In 2021, about 38% of individuals completed alcohol treatment successfully, achieving abstinence or reduced harm.
Understanding Alcoholism
Alcoholism, also known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is a chronic and relapsing brain disease characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.
Understanding this description is important because it offers some valuable insights into the true nature of AUD and its consequences.
Many people only look at the condition in terms of acute complications like intoxication, accidents, and hospital visits. Unfortunately, most of the damage done by alcoholism involves long-term damage to your physical, mental, social, and financial well-being.
Also, more recent advancements in the model for understanding alcoholism have placed greater emphasis on the relapsing nature of the condition. This has supported pushes for improved long-term therapies focused on individualized, consistent, holistic interventions. It also supports relapse prevention and integrated medical therapy as key goals of AUD therapy.
Our understanding of this concept also emphasises the fact that AUD typically involves several secondary factors like mental health challenges, financial difficulties, and broken family relationships. Substance use disorders often co-occur with alcohol use disorder and other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Treating the condition without looking into these factors will unlikely lead to long-term treatment success.
Alcoholism is a complex condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing significant harm to individuals, families, and communities. This is why understanding the nature of alcoholism is the first step towards seeking help and starting the journey to recovery.

Identifying Problematic Drinking
Admitting a drinking problem is the first step to getting help. Many people struggle to recognise their drinking habits due to denial or the societal stigma around addiction. Identifying alcohol dependence is key to getting the proper treatment and support.
When talking to your GP about alcohol issues, be honest about your drinking habits and problems. This will help them diagnose the severity of the issue and recommend the proper treatment. Early detection of these signs can make all the difference.
Assessing Your Drinking Habits
Assessing your drinking habits is an essential step in detecting alcoholism. Keeping a drink diary helps you monitor your drinking and is a good idea if you are worried your alcohol use is becoming problematic. It also makes it easier to communicate your drinking habits to your healthcare provider. One way to manage drinking habits is to drink slower by sipping beverages more slowly and taking breaks between drinks.
A healthcare professional can use a drink diary as well as other sources to evaluate a person’s drinking pattern, including the frequency, quantity, and context of drinking.
This information is crucial for determining the severity of the problem and guiding treatment decisions. For example, some people do not recognize that binge drinking is a form of AUD or how quickly social drinking can spiral out of control if left unchecked.
By understanding your drinking habits, you can gain insight into the impact of alcohol on your life and take the first steps towards recovery.
Do you feel like you have a problem with alcohol? Take PCPs self-assessment test to find out.
Signs of an Alcohol Use Disorder
- Identifying the signs of an alcohol use disorder is crucial for early intervention and treatment. Some common signs include:
- Consuming larger amounts of alcohol than intended or consuming alcohol for longer than initially intended.
- Persistent cravings for alcohol.
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to control your alcohol use.
- Spending a significant amount of time on obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of alcohol.
- Your alcohol use negatively affects your performance at work, school, home, or social obligations.
- Avoiding important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use.
- Using alcohol in dangerous situations or alcohol use leading to dangerous situations.
- Continuing to use alcohol despite persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problems caused or worsened by alcohol.
- Continuing to use alcohol despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or worsened by alcohol.
- Requiring increased amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired effect.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when drinking stops. Symptoms like anxiety, sweating and nausea are signs that you have become physically dependent on alcohol.AUD is diagnosed when two or more symptoms of problematic drinking are present.
However, other signs may suggest a problem with alcohol, such as legal problems due to public intoxication or DUI, as well as getting into financial trouble because of alcohol use.
Recognising these signs can help you or a loved one understand the severity of the problem and take the necessary first step to seek help.
Health Risks of Heavy Drinking

Long-term heavy drinking can cause serious health problems, including:
Drinking more than 14 units a week can lead to liver diseases like fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis, as well as various cancers
Chronic drinking can cause digestive problems like ulcers, pancreatitis, andgastritis
Chronic alcoholism has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, arrhythmias, and strokes
Excessive drinking causes memory problems, nerve damage, and even brain damage
Alcoholism suppresses your immune system and can also cause malnutrition
How to Stop Drinking
Identifying a drinking problem is only the first step to recovery. The next phase involves making the decision to quit and seeking help with your alcohol problem.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Limit or remove alcohol from your home to reduce temptation. Clear out alcohol, barware, and related items. Tell friends, family, and co-workers about your goal to stop drinking to build a support network. Avoid people, places and activities that trigger the urge to drink and distance yourself from unsupportive people to stay focused on recovery.
Having a supportive environment is key to staying sober. Being surrounded by people who get and support your goals helps you manage temptations and triggers and makes a significant difference to your recovery.
Seek Out Treatment for Alcohol Dependence
There are many treatment options for alcohol problems. Knowing these options is key to recovery. Behavioural treatments, medications, and intensive programmes each have their own benefits. Overcoming alcohol use disorder is a process of treatment that may involve setbacks, but change is possible with evidence-based alcohol treatment.
For individuals who need more advanced recovery options, intensive treatment programs, including community programs and residential rehabilitation services, are available.
When choosing a treatment programme, consider personal experience, cost, and insurance coverage. Look for programmes that use evidence-based methods, are individualised, and integrate mental health care. See your primary care doctor or GP as a starting point.
Selecting a Treatment Program
Selecting a treatment programme can be overwhelming, but it is essential to find a program that meets an individual’s specific needs. Some factors to consider include:
Type of treatment: inpatient, outpatient, or residential
Length of treatment: short-term or long-term
Treatment approach: 12-step, cognitive-behavioural therapy, or medication-assisted treatment
Support services: family therapy, group counselling, or individual counselling
Cost and insurance coverage
Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial to determine the best course of treatment. They can help assess the individual’s needs and recommend a treatment programme that is tailored to their specific situation. Personalized care and the right support can make a significant difference in the treatment process and long-term recovery.
Detox Services

Detox services are an essential part of the treatment process for individuals with AUD. Detoxification, or detox, is the process of removing alcohol and its toxins from the body. Depending on the individual’s needs, detox services can be provided in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Inpatient detox services provide 24/7 medical supervision and support, while outpatient detox services provide regular check-ins with a healthcare professional. Detox services can help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and prepare the individual for further treatment.
Alcohol detox is the process by which the body rids itself of alcohol after a period of heavy or prolonged drinking. Detoxing is often the first step in the treatment AUD and aims to manage and alleviate withdrawal symptoms, which can be both physically and psychologically challenging.
The goal of detox is to safely remove alcohol from the system and stabilize the individual, allowing them to begin recovery.
Those with long term heavy drinking habits need medically supervised detoxification. Medical supervision during alcohol withdrawal is necessary to manage severe symptoms. Symptoms can include anxiety, sweating, nausea, rapid heart rate and seizures. Addiction specialists like PCP offer professional alcohol detox programs which involve a combination of medications, counselling, and close clinical observation. The programme can be offered on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
Inpatient services are carried out within a medical facility where the patient is monitored continuously and offered 24-hour care. This is usually for complicated cases or severe addictions.
Outpatient services can be done from home and involve regular appointments. These services better suited for individuals with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms.
Several medications are commonly used during the detox process to reduce the symptoms of acute withdrawal and even during long-term treatment to prevent relapse. These include:
- Benzodiazepines: These drugs have a calming effect and can be used to treat some acute withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, sleep difficulties, and palpitations.
- Naltrexone: Naltrexone is a medication used to reduce alcohol cravings during the detox period. Naltrexone is also used to promote long-term abstinence by blocking the pleasurable effects derived from consuming alcohol.
- Acamprosate: Acamprosate is another medication used during the detox process to reduce alcohol cravings.
- Disulfiram: Taking disulfiram creates an intense negative experience if alcohol is consumed, deterring further alcohol consumption.
Other medications that may be offered include B vitamins, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, alpha-adrenergic agonists, and fluids.
Rehabilitation
Therapy is an important part of the recovery process. During rehabilitation, the Perry Clayman Project offers different forms of therapy like family therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), art therapy, guided meditation, group therapy programs like 12-step programmes, and so on.
These may be initiated during or shortly after the initial detox process and promote long-term abstinence by identifying the cognitive distortions underlying alcohol addiction and teaching different coping strategies for dealing with an alcohol use disorder.
Secondary treatment programmes are an important part of rehab, especially for those who require further treatment after the initial rehabilitation process. The Perry Clayman Project offers access to several effective secondary programmes which involve innovative addiction treatments like:
- Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprogramming (EMDR)
- Visits back home for gentle reintegration
- Yoga therapy
- Gym access
- Life skills development
- Education, training, and Voluntary Work
- One-to-one counselling
What Is a 12-Step Programme?
Interventions and therapies like the 12-step programme have been a cornerstone in the treatment of AUD for years.
The 12-Step Programme is a structured approach to overcoming addiction which was developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The program is based on twelve principles designed to help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety while fostering personal growth and accountability.
The twelve principles are:
1. Acceptance
2. Hope
3. Faith
4. Courage
5. Integrity
6. Willingness
7. Humility
8. Brotherly Love
9. Discipline
10. Perseverance
11. Spiritual Awareness
12. Service
These principles serve as core values to guide individuals in the 12-Step Program, encouraging positive change, connection, and sustained recovery.
The 12-Step Programme emphasizes accountability, community support, and a commitment to recovery as lifelong practices. Many groups meet regularly to share experiences and provide encouragement, creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment. These meetings offer both structure and community, helping support long-term sobriety.
Counselling, Follow-up, and Aftercare
Alcohol detox programs also act as a link to long-term recovery services like patient education, follow-up, and aftercare.
Aftercare involves ongoing counselling, social support services, and medical treatment after the initial rehabilitation process.
The aim of aftercare is to empower individuals with the tools and support they need to maintain sobriety during everyday life, prevent relapse, and fully integrate them back into society.
Addiction recovery services offer several aftercare services like:
· Ongoing therapy and counselling, including mental health services.
· Access to support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous.
· Medical therapy for withdrawal, cravings, or coexisting mental health conditions.
· Providing a sober living environment such as transitional housing and supported housing.
· Helping them obtain financial independence and employment.
· Providing legal assistance.
· Teaching former drug users relapse prevention techniques like strategies to cope with cravings, triggers, stress, and high-risk situations.
· Improving family and community relationships.
· Monitoring individual progress via regular check-ins and promoting accountability through mentors or sponsors.
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol cravings can be intense, especially in the first 6 months of quitting. Effective treatment prepares you for the challenges of cravings and social pressure. Having a routine helps you manage cravings and stay motivated in recovery.
Managing withdrawal symptoms requires understanding and having strategies in place. Knowing the symptoms is key to managing and seeking support.
Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder
Medications can play an important role in the treatment of AUD. The FDA approves several medications to treat AUD, including naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. These medications can help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and prevent relapse. Naltrexone, for example, can help reduce the urge to drink by blocking the pleasurable effects of alcohol. Acamprosate can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. Disulfiram can help prevent relapse by causing unpleasant symptoms when alcohol is consumed. Medications for AUD can be used alone or in combination with other forms of treatment, such as behavioural therapy and support groups.
Supporting a Loved One with Alcoholism
Recognising the personal and social consequences of drinking is key to recognising alcohol misuse. Recognising the need for treatment may help them realise they need treatment for alcoholism. You cannot force someone to get help. They have to be ready for help on their own terms. Be patient and encourage the drinker to see the reality of their situation.
Support groups like Al-Anon and Alateen support friends and family of those with drinking issues. They provide help and understanding to those affected by a loved one’s drinking problem. Look after yourself while supporting someone with drinking issues.
Learn as much as you can about alcohol addiction and encourage the person you care for to get help for their alcohol addiction as soon as possible.
Talking to Them
Choose a time when they are not drunk or hungover. Choose a calm and private space to talk about drinking. Be honest and non-judgemental about their drinking. Show concern not disapproval.
Stay neutral, do not argue or lecture during the conversation. Explain your worries about their drinking in a caring way. Show them you really care about them. Acknowledge any progress they are making towards change.
Listen to them to understand their feelings and the underlying reasons for their drinking. They may feel defensive and deny the problem when you bring it up.
Seek Help at PCP
Researching treatment options together can help them see they need help for their drinking. After researching treatment options help them make the best decision for their recovery. By getting professional help you can support the person you care for to take the first steps to recovery.
At PCP we are dedicated to helping you and those you love to receive the help they need for problematic drinking. Reach out to us today or dial 08000 380 480 to speak with a qualified addiction treatment specialist.
FAQs
What are the signs of alcohol abuse?
Knowing the signs of alcohol abuse can help you get help: look out for neglecting responsibilities, loss of control over drinking and withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and nausea. Awareness is the first step to recovery!
What are the health risks of heavy drinking?
Heavy drinking is a serious business, and liver damage, digestive problems, and cancer are just a few.
How to stop drinking?
To stop drinking, start by admitting the problem and seeking help from certified addiction specialists. Get your friends and family to support you and help you on this journey!
What treatments for alcohol dependence?
Treatments for alcohol dependence exist, including behavioural therapies, counselling, and residential rehab options.
How to support a loved one with alcoholism?
To support your loved one with alcoholism effectively communicate your concerns with compassion and choose the right time to talk. Get them to get professional help and consider Al-Anon for extra support.
Authors
-
Andy's journey in psychology and substance recovery is marked by significant educational and professional achievements. He studied Person Centered Counseling, gained insights from psychological literature, and completed an online course on the mind. His hands-on experience includes volunteering at a Drug and Alcohol Clinic and earning a diploma in child adverse experiences. Andy holds a first-class honors degree in Psychology with Substance Use and Misuse. Professionally, he has contributed as a Lived Experience Coordinator and counselor, offering hope and empowerment to those in recovery. Qualifications and Experience: Introductory Course in Person Centered Counseling Extensive study of psychological literature (including Carl Rogers and Freud) Online course completion on the Mind from UCT OCN peer mentoring course Level 3 diploma in child adverse experiences First-class honors degree in Psychology with Substance Use and Misuse Experienced Lived Experience Coordinator for Probation Dependency and Recovery service
View all posts
-
Dr Otulana is PCP’s longest-serving doctor. He is an experienced Physician with Specialist Interest in Substance Misuse Management and he has a wide range of experience in the assessment and management (including detoxification) of clients with various drug and substance addiction problems. Dr Otulana started practising as a doctor in 2000 and with over 10 years as an Addiction Physician. He is an Advanced Addiction Practitioner Member of Addiction Professionals and also holds the Certificate in Clinical Psychopharmacology (Part 1) of the British Association for Psychopharmacology. He is additionally a strong healthcare services professional with a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree from Cambridge University Judge Business School.
View all posts