Their doctor
A doctor can talk to them about how much they are drinking, assess their physical and mental health and look for signs that alcohol is already causing harm.
They can also advise on stopping safely, prescribe medication where appropriate to help manage withdrawal symptoms or reduce cravings, and refer them to specialist alcohol services if they need further support.
Specialist alcohol services
Specialist alcohol services work specifically with people whose drinking has become a problem. They can assess what is happening and help work out what kind of treatment or support may be useful.
Depending on the service and the person's needs, that may include help to reduce or stop drinking, medical support, counselling, structured treatment and ongoing recovery support.
Help with stopping safely
If someone has become physically dependent on alcohol, suddenly stopping can cause withdrawal and can sometimes be dangerous. They may need medical advice and support to stop safely.
That support may be provided at home in some circumstances or through a medical or detox service when closer supervision is needed. A doctor or specialist alcohol service can advise on the appropriate route.
Counselling and therapy
Counselling or therapy can help them look at the part alcohol plays in their life, recognise patterns around their drinking and develop other ways of dealing with the things they have used alcohol to manage.
It may be used on its own or alongside medical treatment, specialist alcohol services or other recovery support.
Residential treatment
Residential treatment means staying at a treatment facility for a period of time rather than attending appointments while living at home. It can provide a structured environment away from their usual drinking routines.
It is not necessary or suitable for everyone. Whether it is appropriate will depend on their needs, their health, previous attempts to stop and the treatment options available to them.
Recovery and peer support
Recovery groups, twelve step programmes and peer-support programmes give people the opportunity to talk to others who have experienced problems with alcohol and are working towards or maintaining sobriety.
There are different approaches, and not every group suits every person. Some people use peer support alongside professional treatment; others find it useful as continuing support after treatment has ended.
Help after they stop drinking
Stopping drinking is not always the end of the problem. They may still need help with cravings, routines, relationships, physical or mental health and the reasons alcohol became important to them.
Continuing support can also help them deal with setbacks. A relapse does not mean that recovery has failed, but it may mean their treatment or support needs to be reviewed.
When immediate help is needed
Severe alcohol withdrawal can be a medical emergency and even lead to death. Confusion, seizures, hallucinations, extreme tremors and delirium tremens can result from stopping alcohol need urgent medical attention.
Emergency help is also needed if they are unconscious, cannot be woken, have serious breathing problems, or are at immediate risk of harming themselves or someone else.