Help-seeking behaviour in problem drinkers: a review

Help-seeking behaviour in problem drinkers is still poorly understood. This paper summarizes the research conducted so far into alcohol related help-seeking, and attempts to integrate existing models of illness behaviours to help-seeking behaviour in problem drinkers. A conceptualization of alcohol related help-seeking behaviour is presented and empirical findings are reviewed. It was concluded that much of the research so far is exploratory in nature and the findings are still not easily related. Help-seeking behaviour in problem drinkers still awaits further exploration and advancement.