Alcohol dependence
Dependence means alcohol has started to affect how your body or mind functions. It can develop gradually, and it does not look the same for everyone.
What dependence can look like Dependence is about more than how much you drink.
Needing alcohol to feel normal or steady.
Strong cravings or urges to drink.
Drinking earlier in the day than you used to.
Finding it difficult to stop once you start.
Continuing to drink despite clear harm.
Feeling unwell when alcohol wears off.
If this sounds like you, speak to your GP or a local alcohol service before trying to stop on your own. Drinkline Scotland can also talk it through with you confidentially.
Drinkline Scotland — 0800 7314 314 Call Find local alcohol and drug services in Scotland ↗Tolerance You may need more alcohol than before to get the same effect.
Tolerance develops when the body becomes used to repeated exposure to alcohol. Drinking can increase gradually without the change feeling dramatic from one day to the next.
Read about tolerance and dependence →Withdrawal Withdrawal can be a sign of physical dependence.
Shaking, sweating, nausea, severe anxiety, poor sleep or feeling very unwell after cutting down can be withdrawal symptoms.
If withdrawal symptoms have started, contact your GP practice. If your GP is closed and you need urgent advice, phone NHS 24 on 111. Severe confusion, hallucinations, seizures or collapse are emergencies — phone 999 or go to A&E.
Read about alcohol withdrawal → NHS 24 — 111 for urgent care when it is not life-threatening CallWhy stopping suddenly can be dangerous If you are physically dependent, sudden withdrawal can become a medical emergency.
If you drink heavily every day, need alcohol to stop shakes or anxiety, or have had withdrawal before, get medical advice before stopping.
Your GP or a local alcohol service can assess whether you need medical help to withdraw safely. Do not wait until you are already very unwell.
Read about detox and withdrawal support → Find alcohol support and local services in Scotland ↗Getting help A GP or alcohol service can assess dependence and withdrawal risk.
You do not need to decide what treatment you need before asking for help. The first step is working out what is happening and what is safe.
Start with your GP, Drinkline Scotland or a local alcohol service. If you want to speak to people who have stopped drinking themselves, Alcoholics Anonymous has meetings across Scotland and a free national helpline.
Read about getting help → Drinkline Scotland — 0800 7314 314 Call Alcoholics Anonymous — 0800 9177 650 Call Find an AA meeting near you ↗