Getting Help
There are lots of good resources around the world:
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[ezcol_1third]The Drinkaware Trust is an independent UK-wide alcohol education charity, funded largely by voluntary and unrestricted donations from UK alcohol producers, retailers and supermarkets. The Trust is governed independently and works in partnership with others to help reduce alcohol-related harm by helping people make better choices about their drinking. They engage and work directly with both the alcohol industry and public sector bodies to tackle alcohol-related harms.
[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_1third]The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, as part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, supports and conducts biomedical and behavioral research on the causes, consequences, treatment, and prevention of alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. The NIAAA functions both as a funding agency that supports research by external research institutions and as a research institution itself, where alcohol research is carried out in‐house.
[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_1third_end]Online Resources; If you or your loved one are struggling with an alcohol use disorder (AUD), help is available. When you’re working to overcome a drinking problem or maintain your sobriety, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. There are resources across the country that are designed specifically for individuals and loved ones impacted by the harmful effects of alcohol. With the guidance of these organizations, you will have the tools for living a healthy and alcohol-free life.[/ezcol_1third_end]
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
A program run by individuals in recovery from an alcohol use disorder (AUD), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) teaches you how to get and remain sober long-term. The 12 steps and 12 traditions of AA serve as the organization’s foundation and provide encouragement during the recovery process. Program chapters are located across the United States and internationally, and are open to recovering alcoholics and their loved ones.
Al-Anon and Alateen
Designed with the family members and friends of alcoholics in mind, Al-Anon and Alateen are great resources for learning how to cope with someone’s drinking behavior. Individuals can attend meetings in person, online or via the phone to discuss the situations they are currently facing. Members advise one another on how to support and encourage a loved one to seek the treatment they need.
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery is a support group for people suffering from varying types of addiction. Members of SMART Recovery can participate in face-to-face meetings worldwide and access digital resources such as a 24/7 chat room, message board and daily online meetings. The organization’s 4-Point Program empowers you to overcome alcoholism, teaches you ways to maintain your sobriety long-term and gives you the tools necessary for living a balanced life.
Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)
Similar to AA, Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) offers meetings that alcoholics can attend in order to get and remain sober. There are a variety of SOS meetings that take place in cities across the United States, as well as online groups. In addition to helping recovering alcoholics, there are SOS groups that support those overcoming drug abuse and compulsive eating disorders.
WhoYouWant2Be.org
WhoYouWant2Be.org (WYW2B) provides educational resources about alcohol prevention, excessive drinking and treatment options. Articles and topics cover alcohol-related statistics from research studies, the effects of heavy drinking and other risk factors associated with alcohol use disorders (AUDs). WYW2B also has toolkits, fact sheets and videos that cover how to recognize you have a drinking problem to where to go for help.
Women For Sobriety
The Women for Sobriety organization was designed to help women who suffer from alcoholism or other forms of substance abuse. Meeting and support groups follow the Thirteen Statement Program – a “new life” acceptance program. The only requirement to become a member of Women for Sobriety is to be committed to continued abstinence. Members have access to many self-help tools such as an online forum, conferences, booklets and DVDs.
Your Primary Care Physician/GP
When you’re ready to get help for an alcohol use disorder (AUD), your primary care physician can help you find the right treatment to fit your needs. Your physician knows about your medical history and understands the best options for your recovery. A health provider can not only diagnose alcoholism, but can refer you to top-rated rehab facilities and walk you through the recovery process.