I’ve been drinking alcohol for three months now, where can I go for help?

Hi! Thank you for sharing!

The fact that you are reaching out and want help is very positive – an important first step! Alcohol can be very difficult to stop using on your own, especially when you have been drinking daily and experience both physical and psychological symptoms.

What can you do now?

• Contact your general practitioner (GP, «fastlege»): This is the most common way to get professional help in Norway. Your doctor can help to make a treatment plan or refer you to specialized treatment centers for alcohol addiction.
• If you do not have a GP/fastlege, you can contact a patient counsellor at Helsenorge (tlf 800 41 004) for more information about your options.
• Talk to someone you trust: It can be a great support to share what you’re going through with a friend, family member, or your partner.

Important advice:

You describe symptoms such as difficulty walking and feeling depressed without alcohol, and this may be a sign that it is important to get professional help to reduce use in a safe way.

Do not stop drinking abruptly on your own if you have been drinking a lot over time. This can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms and should always be done in cooperation with healthcare professionals.

Reaching out for help is a crucial first step, and we hope you stay motivated for the coming process. Quitting alcohol can be a lengthy process, so remember to take it one step at a time. Wishing you the best of luck!

This answer is written by counsellors at RUSinfo with the help of artificial intelligence (AI).