What to expect from a mental health assessment for alcohol use disorder

A clinician may ask when and how much you drink, urges to drink, attempts to cut down, withdrawal symptoms, and effects on work, relationships, sleep, or daily responsibilities. They may ask about depression, anxiety, trauma, other substances, medicines, and physical symptoms. Questions about self-harm, violence, unsafe driving, or safeguarding are asked to understand immediate risk, not to judge you.

The clinician may use a short questionnaire alongside conversation. The assessment is not a test you can pass or fail. It helps distinguish alcohol-related problems from symptoms that need separate care and identifies whether medical supervision is needed when reducing alcohol.

Before the appointment, note your usual drinking pattern, recent changes, withdrawal experiences, medicines, and goals. Bring a trusted person if you want support, and say if you would prefer them to wait outside for part of the visit. Answer as openly as you can; you can ask why a question is being asked or request a pause.

Together, you may agree on counselling, medical review, withdrawal support, peer help, family involvement, or a follow-up plan. Do not stop heavy or regular drinking suddenly without medical advice, because withdrawal can become dangerous.

Seek urgent medical help for confusion, hallucinations, a seizure, severe shaking, repeated vomiting, difficulty staying awake, breathing problems, or thoughts of harming yourself or someone else. If you are intoxicated, avoid driving and ask someone safe to stay with you. Contact emergency services when there is immediate danger.

Ask: Could withdrawal be risky for me? What support is available between appointments? How will we manage sleep, anxiety, or low mood? Who can be involved in my care, and when should I return?