Work and housing

Alcohol can affect work even if someone never drinks during working hours. Poor sleep, hangovers, withdrawal symptoms, anxiety and concentration problems can all affect attendance and performance.

If alcohol is affecting your attendance or performance, check your employer's sickness, disciplinary and alcohol or substance-use policies. If you are in a trade union, contact your representative.

Citizens Advice Scotland can advise on employment rights, sick pay, disciplinary problems and what to do if you believe you are being treated unfairly.

If you have lost work or need help getting back into employment, local employability services in Scotland can help with finding work, training, skills and other problems such as health or housing that are getting in the way.

If your income has dropped, check what benefits, grants or other support you may be entitled to before arrears build up. Citizens Advice Scotland's Money Talk Team can check income, benefits and household costs.

If you are falling behind with rent or mortgage payments, speak to your landlord, housing association or lender as early as possible. Get independent money and housing advice at the same time.

Shelter Scotland can advise on rent arrears, eviction, mortgage problems, homelessness and your housing rights.

You may be legally homeless if you are sofa surfing, staying somewhere temporary with no right to remain, cannot live safely in your home, or are about to lose your accommodation.

You can make a homeless application to any council in Scotland. You do not need a local connection to that council.

If a council has reason to believe you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, it must take a homeless application and assess your situation. Temporary accommodation must be offered while the application is being assessed if you need somewhere to stay.

If you are assessed as unintentionally homeless, the council has a duty to secure settled accommodation.

Losing a home does not make an alcohol problem easier to treat, and an untreated alcohol problem can make it harder to keep accommodation. Some people need housing support and alcohol treatment together.

Supported housing may be available for people who need additional help because of health problems or alcohol dependence. Ask the council, local alcohol service or housing support worker what is available in your area.

If violence, threats or controlling behaviour are part of the situation, alcohol does not excuse it. You may also be legally homeless if it is not reasonable or safe for you to remain in your home.