Alcohol is a drug that affects the way people think, feel and behave. It depresses the intellect, reduces inhibitions, anxiety and tension, but, at the same time, increases agitation. With increased use, it can progress from being important psychologically to becoming a mental and physical need.

As dependence grows, the less drinkers are able to control or monitor their behaviour. The priority of addiction, to seek out and consume alcohol, takes over.

The drinker becomes apathetic and cares less and less about their principles, standards, family, friends, appearance, job and social standing.

If left untreated, it can lead to permanent mental, physical and social harms.

Alcohol dependence can also cause premature death, not only from cirrhosis of the liver but also from suicide, accidents and the effects of intoxication.

For more information on the the way New Zealanders drink, visit our Resources section

If at any time you wish to speak to someone anonymously about any concerns or questions you might have, you can telephone the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797

There are many different kinds of treatment for people with alcohol problems. The goal of treatment is to reduce or stop completely the problems that are being caused by your alcohol use.

You may learn how to control your alcohol use, or you may need to completely change your lifestyle and stop drinking.

What sort of treatments are available?

Although outpatient treatment (just visiting a place where you can be helped, not staying there) helps most people with alcohol or drug problems, others will need specialised treatment.

You might:

• Receive some help and advice once or a few times.
• Be encouraged to join a self-help group.
• Get counseling over weeks or months.
• Need a medical detoxification.
• Choose to stay somewhere where you can be helped (residential treatment).

You may find change comes simply from being given some good advice or information from someone you have talked to about your problems with alcohol. Change could be stopping drinking or cutting back.

Services for Māori emphasise the relationship between the individual and his or her spiritual, social and physical environment.

If at any time you wish to speak to someone anonymously about any concerns or questions you might have, you can telephone the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797

As well as sticking to the recommended guidelines for low risk drinking, there are two main ways you can make your drinking safer:

Have some alcohol-free days each week

Each week, have two or more days when you don't drink any alcohol at all. This helps your body recover from the effects of the alcohol.

Some people choose the same two or three days each week for their alcohol-free days. Others choose every second day. Choose whatever suits you best, and keep to it.

Avoid binge drinking

One of the most dangerous types of drinking is when you have a binge. That is, when you drink a lot more than usual on any one occasion.

If you want to find out if your drinking is risky, do the DrinkCheck test.

For more information

If at any time you wish to speak to someone anonymously about any concerns or questions you might have, you can telephone the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797