COURSE 01 · LESSON 01 OF 05

Before You Begin

You don't need all the answers today. But you deserve to begin safely, honestly, and with support.

01

Your safety comes first

If you've been drinking heavily or regularly, stopping suddenly may cause dangerous alcohol withdrawal. Symptoms can begin within hours after your last drink.

Before making changes, talk with a healthcare professional about whether you need medically supervised withdrawal.

When to seek urgent help

Seizures, severe confusion, hallucinations, or severe shaking can signal a medical emergency. Seek emergency care immediately. In the United States, call 911.

02

Notice where you're starting

You don't need to judge yourself or compare your journey with anyone else's. Take a moment to consider your current relationship with alcohol.

How often do you drink? What situations make drinking more likely? What concerns brought you here today?

These questions aren't a test. They're simply a place to begin.

03

Choose one next step

You don't need to change your entire life in one afternoon.

Your next step might be calling a healthcare professional, telling someone you trust that you need support, or writing down why you're considering recovery.

One honest decision is enough to begin.

TAKE A MOMENT TO REFLECT

What brought me here today?

You can write your answer in a notebook, say it aloud, or simply think about it. There's no perfect response.

"If something could be different in my life six months from now, what would I hope had changed?"