Hi there,

Feeling like you can’t stop, that you need something to cope, or that you’re thinking about it all the time can be signs of addiction. Even if it feels like it’s just a habit, drinking too much can have a big impact on your mental and physical health. Recognising that your drinking is a problem is a big first step, and you don’t need to manage this alone.

There are lots of services and places to get support with your drinking, a good place to start is your GP. Your doctor can talk to you about your options, give you advice and support, and it’s a space you can be honest about everything. You can also tell your GP that your drinking has been a way to help with your self-harm.

You can also get lots of information or support from places like Frank. Sometimes you might tell yourself that you can stop if you want to, but then you carry on. When you’re asking yourself if you have a problem with drinking, it’s important to check it out with other people.

Whether you decide you have a problem or not, you should still talk about it. You could share what’s happening with someone you trust, or even with a Childline counsellor. Sharing how you’re feeling and what you’re doing can help you feel more confident about the future and getting help.

Take care,

Sam