Do I need to stop completely before getting help?

Should I stop?

No. You do not need to stop drinking completely before you can get help.

Many people might hesitate to seek support because of the risk of harsh expectations:

 - “If I ask for help, I’ll be required to quit immediately or quit forever.” 

- “I don’t want to join a program where the only option is abstinence.” 

- “I just want better control over my drinking – can I do that?”

Your Goals Are Central

You might want to: 

- Cut down rather than quit 

- Reduce binge episodes or late‑night drinking 

- Have more alcohol‑free days 

- Explore eventually becoming alcohol‑free, but aren’t ready to decide yet

From a psychological perspective, these are all valid and workable goals.

How Help Can Start While You’re Still Drinking

Therapy does not require abstinence to begin. It is often more practical to start by:

- Understanding what role alcohol plays in your life now 

- Identifying specific situations where you want more choice and control 

- Building skills to manage stress, mood and social situations alongside your current drinking pattern

Over time, your goals can evolve as you experience change and your confidence grows.

You Don’t Need to Be “Ready to Quit” to Be Ready for Support

 

If alcohol is affecting your life in ways that are becoming a concern, you’re likely at a point where support can help. We can work on:

- Small, realistic changes that fit your current life 

- Reducing harm without aiming for abstinence 

- Building insight and options to assist you make informed decisions along your journey of change.

You’re welcome here whether your goal is to cut down and drink less, drink in moderation or maybe not drink at all.

What we do