Free resources for the Person Struggling with Alcohol Misuse
1. Rehab & Counselling Services
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Rehab & Counselling Services offers private, compassionate support for alcohol and drug addiction, mental health, detox, counselling, and recovery planning—tailored to individuals and families across the UK.
2. NHS Alcohol Support
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The NHS offers free, confidential advice and support to help people reduce or quit drinking. This includes self-assessment quizzes, treatment options, and information on local services.
3. Alcohol Change
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Alcohol Change UK provides free online resources, including tips for cutting down or stopping drinking, self-assessment tools, and advice for people struggling with alcohol misuse.
4. Drinkaware
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Drinkaware offers free resources, advice, and tools to help individuals understand their drinking patterns and make healthier choices. They also provide online support, including a self-assessment quiz and tips for reducing alcohol intake.
5. The Recovery Hub
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This UK-based resource provides free advice on alcohol addiction, offering support services for individuals in recovery. The site connects people with local clinics and online support services.
6.. FRANK
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A government-funded service offering confidential advice about alcohol and drug use. FRANK provides online chat, helplines, and text services for those seeking help.
7. SMART Recovery UK
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SMART Recovery is a self-empowerment recovery program that focuses on evidence-based tools to help people overcome alcohol dependence. The UK branch offers free resources, meetings, and online support.
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(online meetings available)
8. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) UK
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AA provides free, confidential support groups for people struggling with alcohol misuse. They offer in-person and online meetings across the UK to help individuals stay sober.
9. Alcohol Focus Scotland
https://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk
Alcohol Focus Scotland is the national charity committed to preventing and reducing alcohol-related harm in Scotland. Their mission is to drive effective, evidence-based action—through policy, research, public education, and advocacy—so that people, families, and communities can live healthier, safer lives.
https://www.drinkbreak.org.uk/welcome
Drinkbreak is an entirely online programme built on quality science and professional expertise, designed to help individuals examine their drinking habits and make informed choices. Through a “check-up → reflection → planning → action” framework, it guides users toward healthier decisions about alcohol—while maintaining privacy and flexibility. If someone suspects dependence or serious harm, the site encourages seeking medical support.
For Family and Friends of People Struggling with Alcohol Misuse
1. Al-Anon Family Groups
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Al-Anon provides free, confidential support for family members and friends of those affected by alcohol misuse. Al-Anon offers online meetings, literature, and local support groups to help loved ones cope with the challenges of addiction.
2. Families Anonymous
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Families Anonymous offers free support to family and friends of people dealing with alcohol or drug misuse. They offer meetings, literature, and online resources to help families understand and manage the impact of addiction.
3. Addiction Support
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Addiction Support provides free resources and advice for family members dealing with the impact of alcohol addiction. They also connect families with treatment centers and other support services.
4. The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA)
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NACoA is dedicated to supporting children of alcoholics. They provide a helpline, online resources, and information for families dealing with alcohol misuse within the household.
Online Forums and Apps for Support
1. Sober Grid
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Sober Grid is a social networking app for people in recovery from alcohol and other addictions. The app offers a free, supportive community for individuals and their families to share experiences and find accountability.
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Available in: UK-wide (global app)
2. I Am Sober
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This free app helps individuals track their sobriety and connects them to a community of people in recovery. It includes motivational tools and a log for tracking alcohol-free days.
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Available in: UK-wide (global app)
3. Drink Less
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The NHS Drink Less campaign (part of Better Health) offers practical, user-friendly tools to help people cut down on alcohol.
Helplines and Other Free UK Resources
1. NHS 24/7 Alcohol Support
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Phone: 111 (NHS Direct)
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For urgent medical support related to alcohol misuse, the NHS provides a helpline that is available 24/7 for anyone needing advice or help in the UK.
2. The National Helpline for Alcohol Misuse
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Phone: 0800 917 8282
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A free, confidential helpline providing support, advice, and information for people concerned about alcohol misuse. The helpline is available 24/7 and connects callers to local services.
3. Drinkline
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Phone: 0300 123 1110
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Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline for anyone affected by alcohol. It provides free, confidential advice and can help people find local services. The helpline is available for both individuals struggling with alcohol use and concerned family members.
4. Mind (Mental Health Support)
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Mind offers mental health support, which can be especially useful if alcohol misuse is linked to anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. They provide free resources and advice for both individuals and families.