Alcoholism

Critical: Urgent Situation Requiring Immediate Action

Fiona Kennedy
Written byFiona Kennedy
Dr Olalekan Otulana
Medically Reviewed by Dr Olalekan Otulana MBChB, MRCGP, FRSPH, MBA Addiction Specialist Physician
Last updated:
29 March 2026

Your Situation: This Is Urgent – Please Read This Carefully

Your answers describe a situation that is dangerous – either to your loved one’s health, to the safety of others, or both. We understand how frightening and exhausting this is, and we want to help you take the right steps today.

If anyone is in immediate danger

Call 999 if there is violence, a medical emergency, or someone is at risk of harm right now.

If children are at risk, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or call your local authority children’s services.

If you are at personal risk, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247 (24 hours).

What your answers suggest

Your loved one’s drinking is at a severe level – daily heavy drinking, significant behavioural deterioration, and/or dangerous behaviour. The family is in crisis. Previous attempts to address it have failed or been refused. You may be dealing with violence, aggression, or immediate health concerns.

What needs to happen

1. Your safety comes first. You cannot help someone else if you’re in danger. If violence is involved, make a safety plan for yourself and any children before attempting any intervention.

2. Professional intervention works. When someone is deep in denial or refuses help, a structured intervention is often the breakthrough moment. A trained interventionist guides the conversation, manages emotional dynamics, and presents a clear path to treatment.

3. If they are willing to accept help, we can arrange medically supervised detox within 24-48 hours. At this level of drinking, they MUST NOT stop suddenly – alcohol withdrawal at this level can cause seizures and is potentially life-threatening. Medical supervision is essential.

4. If they refuse help, all is not lost. A professional can advise you on boundary-setting, consequence management, and maintaining your own wellbeing while keeping the door open for when they’re ready.

We help families in crisis

DetoxPlus works with families dealing with exactly this situation. We can:

– Arrange a professional intervention with a trained facilitator

– Organise emergency admission to a residential detox or rehab programme

– Provide immediate phone support to help you manage the situation today

– Connect you with family support services so you don’t have to face this alone

Please call us today. The situation you’ve described needs professional input, and the sooner that happens, the better the outcome for everyone involved.

Call us now on 020 7205 2734

**Immediate help numbers:**

– Emergency: 999

– National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247

– NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

– Al-Anon family support: 0800 0086 811

– Samaritans: 116 123

Everything you’ve shared is completely confidential. Our advice line is free and staffed by trained professionals.

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