What is the first treatment tried for alcohol use disorder?

Care starts by discussing drinking patterns, health conditions, medicines, sleep, mood, and previous attempts to change. The clinician may arrange a [Mental Health Assessment](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/mental-health-assessment/) and a physical check. A [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) may be offered to look for effects on the liver, but a normal result does not rule out a drinking problem.

Stopping suddenly can be unsafe for someone who drinks heavily or has withdrawal symptoms. The plan may therefore involve supervised withdrawal, counselling, peer support, medicines, or a combination, depending on individual needs.

Be open about how much and how often you drink, including morning drinking, blackouts, shakes, sweating, or earlier withdrawal. Do not stop abruptly without medical advice if you have had withdrawal symptoms or drink heavily each day. Remove alcohol only when a safe plan is in place, and identify a trusted person who can support appointments and recovery goals.

Treatment can address cravings, stress, relationships, sleep, and any anxiety or depression alongside alcohol use. A lapse is a reason to review the plan, not a reason to abandon care.

Get emergency help for a seizure, severe confusion, hallucinations, collapse, chest pain, or trouble breathing. Urgent medical advice is needed for severe shaking, repeated vomiting, marked agitation, or a racing heartbeat after reducing alcohol. If drinking is linked with thoughts of self-harm, seek immediate help and do not stay alone.

Could stopping alcohol suddenly be risky for me? Would supervised withdrawal or medication help? Which tests or follow-up checks do I need? What support is available for cravings, mood, and preventing relapse?