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Alcoholism
is characterised by a physical need for alcohol, often starting
as soon as the person wakes up.
It is also characterised
by drinking alcohol other than social occasions.
You may notice
that an individual's tolerance to alcohol is particularly high (the
person is able to drink quantities without apparently becoming intoxicated).
Unpleasant symptoms
on stopping alcohol include tremors, shaking, dry vomiting, tension.
Later on there
is loss of tolerance to alcohol and the person becomes drunk more
quickly.
You may need
to seek help if your drinking is
affecting your relationships with those close to you, your
drinking is causing money problems or difficulties at work, your
health is suffering or you
have become involved in a drink-related crime.
You may be drinking
for all kinds of reasons. These might include pressures at work
or at home, money worries, social pressures, addiction or habit.
Is someone close
to you drinking too much?
Some
people may feel they need help and support because someone close
to them is drinking a lot.
If someone else’s
drinking is concerning you or causing problems. If you are worried
about your partner’s or another member of your family members
drinking or even a friend then the may be able to help you.
Some
signs of a drink problem are:
- Changes in
Behaviour
- Changes in
Drinking Patterns
- Physical
signs
You may start
to notice a person’s moods change more quickly and erratically.
You might feel
uneasy when you are with the person, as if something is ‘going
on’ that you are not fully aware of.
Changes in people’s
moods and behaviour can be in many ways. You may notice in-group
conversations people with a developing drink problem may have difficulty
concentrating on the topic being discussed.
They appear
distracted for a while then suddenly join in with an unrelated remark
or comment, or just respond inappropriately.
The drinker
is probably conscious of being distracted, and overcompensates causing
puzzlement in others.
People with
a drink problem may repeat recent conversations, not remembering
that the issue has already been discussed, and rather than just
admit they have forgotten, they will attempt to cover up.
More disturbing
can be the person who has been argumentative, but having forgotten
the dispute, may appear to blame you for any tension.
Becoming increasingly defensive if tackled about this, blaming circumstances
and other people for things not running smoothly.
Social
symptoms of alcohol abuse:
Are you/they...
- Going out
much more often to drink, or drinking at home or alone when they
didn’t before.
- Switching
to stronger drinks – from beer to sprits for example.
- Drinking
at earlier times during the day and spend money on drink that
they really can’t afford.
- Lying about
their movements – say they have been held up at work when
really they’ve been in the Pub.
- Frequently
disappearing for short periods of time to ‘top up’
Do you/they...
- Smell drink
on their breath at inappropriate times or when the person denies
having had a drink.
- Find empties
may be suddenly thrown directly into the dustbin rather than the
kitchen waste bin.
Physical
symptoms of alcohol abuse:
Are you/they...
- Taking care
of their personal appearance.
- Frequently
ill.
Do you/they...
- Tremble and
Sweat at certain times, and appear quite flushed.
- Bruise easily
and the signs of falls and knocks are often apparent.
- Have a lack
of physical co-ordination generally.
Treatment:
Alcoholism is
a problem with both physical and a psychological component and people
suffering from alcoholism need treatment for both components.
Blood tests
and liver biopsy are used to determine the level of physical problems.
Psychological
addiction to alcohol is impossible to address unless the patient
wants to change and once started the process is likely to be life-long
since relapse is common.
Family therapy
may be necessary since alcoholism affects more than just the addict.
Test
yourself:
If you
think you are drinking more alcohol than is good for you then:
- Try having
one or two days each week totally alcohol free.
- Have a non-alcoholic
drink between every alcoholic drink.
- Dilute each
alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic mixer.
- Find a social
activity that does not involve drinking.
- Talk to
your doctor or practice nurse.
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