Planning to quit drinking? You may not have to go to a doctor or a counselor for that. Now, one can get tips and participate in a self-help programmee just at the click of a mouse. www.alcoholwebindia.in, e-portal jointly developed by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) and All India Institute of Medical Sciences provides information for alcohol users, family members, policymakers, professionals and the general public.

The portal, which was launched today, has a web-based self-help programme for people who wish to reduce the use of alcohol or stop drinking.

This would enable the users to assess their drinking pattern and help themselves in reducing their drinking without even meeting a doctor or a counselor, a statement from AIIMS said.

The portal has been developed by a team of professionals from NDDTC, AIIMS in collaboration with World Health Organization.

The Global Status Report (2011) published by WHO says the harmful use of alcohol results in approximately 2.5 million deaths per year, which is 4% of deaths worldwide.