Signs your drinking may be a problem
- You often drink more than you planned, or find it hard to stop once you start.
- You need a drink in the morning, or to “steady” yourself.
- You feel shaky, sweaty, anxious or sick when you haven’t had a drink.
- You drink to sleep, to relax, or to face difficult feelings.
- You hide how much you drink, or feel guilty about it.
- Work, money, health or family life are suffering.
- People close to you have said they are worried.
You don’t need to tick every box. If your drinking worries you, that alone is reason enough to talk to someone.
Don’t stop suddenly if you drink every day
This is the most important safety point on this page. The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) warns that it can be very dangerous to stop drinking suddenly if you are dependent on alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms usually start 6 to 12 hours after the last drink and can include shaking, feeling sick, anxiety, poor sleep, seeing things that aren’t there, confusion and seizures (fits).
So if you drink every day, or have had withdrawal symptoms before, speak to a doctor before you stop. A psychiatrist can assess whether a detox at home with medical support is safe for you, or whether you need a hospital or de-addiction centre. If someone has a seizure or becomes very confused, call 112.
How alcohol addiction treatment works
Treatment usually has two parts, and many people need both.
Medical care
A psychiatrist can plan a safe withdrawal, arrange blood tests to check your liver and general health (these need a lab or clinic), and treat depression, anxiety or sleep problems that often come with heavy drinking. They can also discuss medicines that may reduce cravings or help you stay stopped. Whether these suit you, and whether they can be started online, is something your psychiatrist will explain. Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without your doctor.
Talking therapy
- Motivational interviewing (MI) helps you work out what you want, without pressure.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps you spot triggers, such as stress, certain friends or evenings alone, and plan what to do instead.
- Relapse prevention prepares you for weddings, parties and hard days, and for slips.
Peer support
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups meet in many Indian cities, and Al-Anon groups support family members. Both are free peer-support groups rather than therapy, and many people use them alongside counselling.
How long does it take?
According to the NHS, withdrawal symptoms usually last 3 to 7 days, though some can last for a few months, especially after heavy drinking. Counselling usually continues for weeks to months afterwards, because staying stopped is the harder part. Everyone’s path is different.
Handling social pressure to drink
Weddings, office parties and family gatherings can be the hardest part of cutting down or stopping. A few things help:
- Decide before you go what you will drink, if anything, and when you will leave.
- Keep a short answer ready: “I’m driving”, “I’m taking a break from drinking”, or simply “No, thanks.” You don’t owe anyone an explanation.
- Hold a soft drink or juice, so people stop offering.
- Go with, or tell, one person who supports what you are doing.
- Plan something for the next morning, so one evening doesn’t turn into a lapse.
Keeping track
For a week or two, write down when, where, how much and why you drink. It often shows patterns you hadn’t noticed, and it gives your counsellor something concrete to work with.
Online or in person?
Online works well for counselling, psychiatrist consultations and follow-ups, and it is private. You will need in-person care for supervised detox when it isn’t safe at home, for blood tests and physical check-ups, and for emergencies.
If someone in your family drinks too much
Living with someone who drinks heavily, whether a husband, father, son or anyone else, can be frightening and draining. Try not to argue when they are drunk, and avoid covering up for them. Look after your own safety first. Counselling for yourself can help you decide what you will and won’t accept, and how to encourage them towards help. If there is violence at home, call 112. Read more on our addiction counselling page, which also covers support for families.
Choosing a provider and your first session
Look for a provider who lists addiction experience. Choose a psychiatrist if you drink daily or have health worries, and a counsellor or psychologist for talking therapy. Your first session covers how much and how often you drink, your health, what you have tried, and what you want. Some providers offer eligible new clients a free first session.
Cost and free help
Current fees are on each provider’s card below, and our therapy cost in India page shows typical fees. Free help includes the government’s de-addiction helpline 14446, Tele-MANAS on 14416 (24×7), and psychiatry departments at government hospitals. For urgent help at any hour, see our crisis resources.
