Drinking more than you’d like?
Talk to a GP about it, from home and without judgement. Whether you want to cut back or stop, there’s more help available than most people realise.
Signs it might be worth a chat
- Drinking more, or more often, than you mean to
- Needing a drink to unwind most nights
- Trying to cut back and finding it hard
- Drinking affecting your sleep, mood, work or relationships
- Feeling shaky, anxious or unwell when you don’t drink
- People close to you mentioning it
When to talk to a GP
Any time you’d like to change how much you drink. You don’t need a label or a crisis to ask for help. One important safety point: if you drink heavily every day, don’t stop suddenly on your own. Talk to a doctor first, because stopping suddenly can be dangerous.
About an hour with your GP
How your GP can help
A private conversation
Your GP asks about your drinking, your health and what you want to change. You set the goal, whether that’s cutting down or stopping.
Checking your health
Your GP may arrange blood tests and checks whether it’s safe to cut back at home or whether you need extra support.
A plan and follow-up
That can include practical strategies, counselling or support groups, and medicines that can help with cravings if your GP thinks they’re right for you.
How it works
Request an appointment
Tell us a little about what’s going on. It takes about two minutes, and you don’t need a referral.
We call you to book
Our team calls to find a time that suits and confirms any fee before you’re booked.
Your mental health assessment
About an hour by video with a GP. Time to properly talk through what’s happening.
Start your plan
Treatment can start straight away if your GP thinks it’s right for you, with regular reviews after that.
What does it cost?
Bulk billed for eligible patients.
If you’re not eligible, a consultation fee may apply, and we’ll confirm it with you before your consult.
Medicines your GP prescribes are dispensed by your own pharmacy, and PBS-listed medicines are subsidised as usual.
Mental health assessment
- A full assessment with an AHPRA-registered GP
- A plan written for you
- Treatment can start the same day if appropriate
- Regular reviews with your GP
Your GP makes the call
A consultation doesn’t guarantee a prescription. Your GP recommends what’s clinically appropriate for you, and you decide together.
A real conversation
Every appointment is a video consultation with an AHPRA-registered Australian GP, with time to properly talk things through.
Not for emergencies
If you or someone else is in danger, call 000. For 24/7 crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Common questions
Do I have to stop drinking completely?
No. Plenty of people want to cut down rather than stop. Your GP works with the goal you choose.
Is it confidential?
Yes. What you tell your GP is part of your private medical record and is protected by Australian privacy law.
Can a GP prescribe something to help?
There are medicines a GP can prescribe that help some people with cravings. Your GP will talk through whether one is suitable for you. A consultation doesn’t guarantee a prescription.
Ready to talk to someone?
Request an appointment and our team will call you to book a time with a GP.