The NHS UK provides comprehensive health services across the UK, including resources and support for families and friends affected by a loved one’s alcohol misuse. They offer free, confidential guidance to help families cope with the emotional, physical, and social challenges of a loved one’s drinking.
The national Drinkline helpline (0300 123 1110) offers advice, emotional support, and information for those concerned about someone’s alcohol use. Trained advisors provide guidance on understanding alcoholism, managing its impact, and accessing local services, whether the individual is actively drinking or in recovery.
The NHS website provides extensive resources, including guides on alcohol misuse, its health risks (e.g., liver disease, mental health issues), and coping strategies for families. It features tools like the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) to help assess drinking habits, which families can use to understand a loved one’s situation. The website also offers advice on low-risk drinking (no more than 14 units weekly) and pregnancy-related alcohol risks.
NHS services connect families to local support through GP referrals, including counseling, peer support groups, and community services across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These services, available in areas like London, Glasgow, or Cardiff, help families share experiences, reduce isolation, and learn coping strategies. Treatment options for loved ones include counseling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and detoxification support.
The NHS approach is non-judgmental and evidence-based, empowering families to support their loved one’s recovery or harm reduction. They collaborate with charities like Alcohol Change UK and Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAD) for additional support.
For more information, contact Drinkline, use the NHS website contact form, or consult a GP for local service referrals. You can also reach out to SFAD (08080 10 10 11, helpline@sfad.org.uk) for Scotland-specific family support.
