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Alcohol is widely available, but it can still be addictive and harmful. Drinking can become a concern when it affects health, relationships, work, finances, safety or daily responsibilities.
Recovery Scotland is an information and referral support service. We do not diagnose alcohol addiction, provide detox or clinical treatment, or operate a treatment facility. We can help you understand support pathways and, where appropriate, discuss providers who may be able to assess your needs.
If you may be physically dependent on alcohol, seek medical advice before stopping suddenly. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and may require clinical supervision. In an emergency, call 999.
Get In Touch
Recovery Scotland can offer confidential guidance about alcohol addiction support options. We do not provide treatment directly, but we can help you understand next steps and possible referral routes.
Contact us or call 01475 303998.
What Is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism is commonly used to describe alcohol addiction or alcohol dependence. It can involve a physical and psychological reliance on alcohol, cravings, loss of control and continued drinking despite harm.
Alcohol problems can develop gradually. Some people begin by drinking more often, using alcohol to cope, or finding it harder to stop once they start. Over time, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms and stronger cravings may develop.
Alcohol addiction can be linked with stress, trauma, depression, anxiety, social pressure, family history or other factors. A qualified professional or treatment provider can assess the situation and recommend suitable support.
What Are The Signs Of A Progressive Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol use can become a concern when drinking starts to feel difficult to control or continues despite harm. Signs may include:
- Needing more alcohol to feel the same effect
- Feeling unable to cut down or stop
- Withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating, anxiety or nausea
- Drinking alone, hiding alcohol use or feeling guilty about drinking
- Missing work, study, family or social responsibilities
- Continuing to drink despite health, financial or relationship problems
- Using alcohol to cope with stress, trauma, anxiety or depression
Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous for some people. If you are physically dependent on alcohol, seek medical advice before stopping suddenly.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment In Scotland
Alcohol addiction treatment options vary depending on the person’s needs, risks and level of dependence. Support may include GP advice, NHS or community alcohol services, medically supervised detox where appropriate, therapy, counselling, relapse prevention, peer support, residential rehab, outpatient support and aftercare.
Recovery Scotland does not provide alcohol treatment directly and does not operate a treatment facility. Where appropriate, we can help you understand available pathways and discuss suitable providers who can complete an assessment.
Before choosing a provider, ask whether detox is available if needed, who delivers clinical care, what therapies are included, what the costs are and what aftercare is provided.
How Recovery Scotland Can Help
Recovery Scotland can provide confidential information and referral guidance for people affected by alcohol addiction or alcohol abuse.
We can help you understand what questions to ask, what types of support may be available, and how alcohol use can be discussed alongside mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression or trauma.
We do not provide detox, therapy, medical treatment or residential care directly. If there is immediate danger, call 999. For non-emergency medical advice in Scotland, contact NHS 24 on 111 or speak with a GP.
FAQ's About Alcohol Addiction
John Gillen
- Author
- Last updated: June 17, 2026
John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.
Dr Stacey Vettraino (General Practitioner)
- Clinical Reviewer
- Last reviewed: December 19, 2023
Dr Stacey Vettraino has been a GP for over 15 years and has been involved in GP management for 7 of these. Over the last few years, Dr Vettraino has worked towards a portfolio career, working as a GP in various parts of Scotland and within the private sector – including Bupa as a private GP, Health Assessments, and Menopause Clinics. She has had a longstanding interest in psychiatry and has previously held a post in Old Age Psychiatry post-GP training focusing on dementia. Her interest in addictions has steadily grown from work as a GP and Dr Vettraino is now excited and privileged to be part of addiction treatment.