Learn what withdrawal looks like →
Alcohol or drugs are causing problems
Using alcohol or drugs is hurting your life. You want help, but you may not know where to start.
What could this mean?
You deserve care without shame. Treatment and support are available. A health worker can discuss the help that fits your needs.
You may hear the word: Problems with alcohol or drugs.
What can I do?
A doctor or treatment service can help you plan a safer next step. Ask about support even if you are not sure you are ready to stop.
These signs alone do not tell you which condition you have.
One everyday example
An invented example: someone repeatedly drinks more than planned, misses responsibilities, and keeps drinking despite problems. The useful conversation is about what is happening and what support might help—not whether they are a good or bad person.
Problems can look different
Alcohol use disorder involves difficulty stopping or controlling drinking despite harmful consequences. Its severity varies. Treatment may include counseling, support groups, or medicines. A person's ability to work does not, by itself, show that alcohol is causing no harm.
A question to bring to care
“I want to change my drinking. What support and safety checks do I need?” Alcohol and different drugs have different effects and withdrawal risks. Use our withdrawal guide as an introduction, not as a home-detox plan. Talk with a qualified health professional about a safe next step.
Expanded October 29, 2026. Sources checked for this addition; independent clinical review is still pending. Examples are invented for teaching.
NIAAA: Understanding alcohol use disorder · How we write and check information
Read the source ↗YOU DO NOT NEED TO KNOW A MEDICAL WORD
How to ask for help.
- Tell someone you trust.
“I am having a hard time. Can you help me?”
- Call a doctor or a clinic.
“I need help with my mental health.”
- Say what has changed.
Tell them about your sleep, feelings, thoughts, or daily life.
YOU CAN SAY THIS
“I do not feel like myself. This is making life hard. I need help.”
“Please use simple words. Can you explain that again?”
A counselor helps you talk through problems. A doctor can check your health and discuss treatment. You can ask a trusted person to help make the call or come with you.
SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357. Ask a service about cost, insurance, or lower-cost care. Outside the U.S., ask a local clinic about mental-health support.
IF YOU NEED HELP RIGHT NOW
You do not have to face this alone.
If you might hurt yourself or someone else, or you feel you cannot cope, get help now.
In the U.S., call or text 988. You can ask for help for yourself or another person.
Call 911 for immediate danger or a medical emergency. Outside the U.S., call your local emergency or crisis service.