How is alcohol use disorder treated?

Treatment begins with a confidential assessment of drinking pattern, physical health, mental health, medicines, and home support. Stopping suddenly can be dangerous for some people, so a clinician may recommend supervised withdrawal rather than attempting it alone. Medicines may ease withdrawal or reduce urges, and talking therapy can address triggers, stress, sleep, relationships, and return-to-drinking plans. Clinicians may also check for effects on the liver, stomach, pancreas, nutrition, and mood.

Arrange a Mental Health Assessment or GP Consultation and describe how much and how often you drink, including the last drink and any previous withdrawal symptoms. Do not hide tremor, sweating, anxiety, nausea, or confusion; these details affect safety planning. A Liver Function Test may be part of the physical assessment. Support from a trusted person can help with appointments, medicines, and avoiding situations that trigger drinking.

Get emergency help for a seizure, severe confusion, hallucinations, collapse, chest pain, trouble breathing, or repeated vomiting. Withdrawal tremor that is worsening, marked agitation, or inability to keep fluids down also needs urgent medical advice. Severe abdominal pain or yellowing of the skin may signal a separate complication. Fatty Liver Disease, Gastritis, and Pancreatitis are health problems a clinician may assess when alcohol has affected the body.

Is it safe for me to stop drinking at home? Do I need supervised withdrawal or medicine? Which support programme fits my goals? What tests should I have, and how will we monitor my physical and mental health?