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Alcohol Problem: What To Do If Alcohol is a Problem for You

How can I tell if alcohol is a problem for me?

Alcohol is a problem for you if it causes problems in any part of your life. This includes your health, your work and your life at home. You may have a problem with alcohol if you think about drinking all the time, if you keep trying to quit on your own but can't, or if you often drink more than you plan to.

Ask yourself these questions. If you answer yes to 1 or more of the questions, you may have a problem with alcohol.

Have you ever felt: 

The need to cut down on your drinking?

Annoyed by criticism of your drinking?

Guilty about your drinking?

As if you need an eye-opener in the morning?

Who has an alcohol problem?

Many people only think of a "skid-row bum" when they think of someone with an alcohol problem. This is the end stage of alcohol problems, when a person has lost his or her family, job and health because of alcohol abuse. You don't reach this stage overnight.

You may see less obvious changes along the way, beginning with drinking more than you intended or more than is safe for what you are doing (like driving a car).

Many people find it hard to admit when alcohol is a problem. Often, people around you may see your problem before you do. Think about the things mentioned here. Think about what your friends and family say to you about drinking. Then talk with your family doctor about your concerns.

Signs alcohol is a problem: Accidents Anxiety Being unusually suspicious Blackouts/memory loss Breakdown of relationships Depression Getting driving tickets Insomnia Loss of self-esteem Not taking care of yourself Poor work performance Taking sick days for hangovers Trembling hands Trouble having erections (men)

How does alcohol affect my health?

Alcohol is best known as a cause of cirrhosis, a disease of the liver. However, it has many other effects on your health. It's a major cause of deaths and injuries due to accidents. It can have severe effects on a baby during pregnancy. It can also cause stomach pain due to a bleeding ulcer or irritated stomach lining.

What causes alcoholism?

The causes of alcoholism are not fully known. A history of alcoholism in your family makes it more likely. Men seem to be more at risk than women. Some drinkers use alcohol to try to relieve anxiety, depression, tension, loneliness, self-doubt or unhappiness.

Why should I quit?

Quitting is the only way to stop the problems alcohol is causing in your life. It may not be easy to quit. But your efforts will be rewarded by better health, better relationships and a sense of accomplishment. As you think about quitting, you may want to make a list of your reasons to quit.

How do I stop?

The first step is realizing that you control your own behavior. It's the only real control you have in your life. So use it. Here are the next steps:

1. Commit to quitting. Once you decide to quit, you can make plans to be sure you succeed. 

2. Get help from your doctor. He or she can be your biggest ally. Alcoholism is a kind of disease, and it can be treated. Talking with your doctor or a counselor about your problems can be helpful too.

 

3. Get support. Contact Alcoholics Anonymous or the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. They will give you the tools and support you need to quit. Ask your family and friends for support too.

 

What does it feel like to quit drinking?

As you drink, your body tries to make up for the depressant effects of alcohol. This built-up tolerance to alcohol can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms when people who drink a lot quit.

Serious withdrawal symptoms include seeing things, seizures and delirium tremens (confusion, seeing vivid images, severe shakes, being very suspicious), and can even include death. This is why you may need your doctor's care if you've been drinking heavily and are trying to quit.

Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.

Source:

American Academy of Family Physicians

This article provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this article applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor.

Copyright © 1996-2005 American Academy of Family Physicians

Permission is granted to print and photocopy this material for nonprofit educational uses.