Help with alcohol, gambling and drug addiction

If you cannot stop even when you try, that is addiction. It is not shameful — it is a condition that needs treatment.

Signs to watch for

• The amount keeps increasing
• You feel anxious and shaky without it
• You say you will quit but last only days
• It comes before money, work and family
• You hide it and lie about it
• You regret it afterwards and still do it again

What help exists

1. Integrated addiction management centres — in every area. Counselling and treatment referral are free.
2. 1577-0199 mental health counselling — also connects to addiction support.
3. 129 health and welfare counselling
4. 1336 gambling problem counselling
5. Psychiatric clinics — when withdrawal needs medical care
6. Self-help groups — people who have been through the same
7. 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline — counselling in 13 languages

Steps

1. Call. You do not have to give your name.
2. You are connected to a local addiction centre. Public health centres can also direct you.
3. Receive counselling. It is free.
4. Hospital treatment follows if needed. Covered by health insurance.
5. Family members can get counselling too.

Where to go

• Your local integrated addiction management centre (ask the public health centre)
• 1577-0199 mental health counselling
• 1336 gambling problem counselling
• 129 health and welfare counselling
• 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (13 languages, 24 hours)
• 109 when you have thoughts of dying

Questions people ask

I can't sleep without alcohol. Alcohol-induced sleep is not restorative and worsens insomnia. Get counselling.

When I try to stop I shake and feel terrible. Those are withdrawal symptoms. Stopping alone can be dangerous — do it with a hospital.

I have gambling debts. Debt and addiction must be treated together. Get advice from 1336 and 132.

It's a drug problem and I'm scared of being reported. There are counselling lines aimed at treatment. Ask 1577-0199 or 129 anonymously first.

I'm worried about my visa. Counselling lines are not enforcement lines. If worried, go through 1577-1366.

Take care

Addiction deepens the harder you fight it alone. Failing several times does not stop you starting again. One call to 1577-0199 or 1336 today begins it.

Related

mental-health-help · depression-support · call-1577-0199 · call-109

Source

National Mental Health Portal www.mentalhealth.go.kr / As of 2026-08