Signs and symptoms
If you believe that you are drinking too much alcohol, or other people around you have told you that they think you’re drinking too much, consider the following symptoms:
- depressed mood
- nervousness
- insomnia
- physical complications of alcohol misuse (e.g liver disease, stomach problems and raised blood pressure)
- accidents or injuries due to alcohol use
- poor memory or concentration
- evidence of self-neglect (e.g. poor hygiene)
- failed treatment for depression
There may also be:
- legal and social problems due to alcohol use (e.g. marital problems, domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, missed work)
- signs of alcohol withdrawal (sweating, tremors, morning sickness, hallucinations, seizures)
To avoid the problems listed above keep in mind that the less you drink the better.
Advised limits for men: up to 3 standard drinks a day, keep below 15 standard drinks a week, no alcohol drinking for at least two days a week.
Advised limits for Women: up to two standard drinks a day, keep below 10 standard drinks a week, no alcohol drinking for at least two days a week
Alcohol dependence is present when three of the following are present:
- a strong desire or compulsion to use alcohol
- difficulty controlling alcohol use
- withdrawal symptoms (e.g. anxiety, tremors, sweating) when drinking is ceased
- tolerance (e.g. drinks large amounts of alcohol without appearing intoxicated)
- continued alcohol use despite harmful consequences
- neglect of other activities due to alcohol
Symptoms of anxiety or depression may occur with heavy alcohol use. Alcohol use can mask other disorders such as agoraphobia, social phobia and generalized anxiety disorder.
Options
If you're ready to admit you have a drinking problem, you've already taken the first step. It takes tremendous strength and courage to face alcohol abuse and alcoholism head on. Reaching out for support is the second step.
Whatever treatment you choose, recovering from alcohol addiction is much easier when you have people you can lean on for encouragement, comfort, and guidance. Without support, it's easy to fall back into old patterns when things get tough.
Things that might help:
- ceasing or reducing alcohol use will bring mental and physical benefits
- abrupt abstinence of alcohol can cause withdrawal symptoms, seek medical advice prior to stopping
- consider why you are drinking alcohol to excess
- consider the negative effects alcohol is having on your life
- decide if you want to stop or reduce your alcohol use
- seek medical help
- symptoms of anxiety or depression may occur with heavy alcohol use, or may be masked by alcohol use, be aware of this
- relapses are common, controlling or ceasing drinking may require several attempts, outcomes depend on your motivation and confidence
- support groups and self-help organizations are available and can help
- consider strategies to avoid or cope with high-risk situations (e.g. social events or stressful situations)
- identify friends or family who will support ceasing alcohol use
Friends and family
If someone you know has a drinking problem, you may be struggling with a number of painful emotions, including shame, fear, anger, and self-blame. The problem may be so overwhelming that it seems easier to ignore it and pretend that nothing is wrong. But in the long run denying it will be more damaging to you, other family members, and the person with the drinking problem.
Dealing with an alcohol problem can be an emotional rollercoaster. It's vital that you take care of yourself and get the support you need. It's also important to have people you can talk honestly and openly with about what you're going through.
- Obtain information and education about alcohol use and dependence
- Help the person to identify sources of stress related to alcohol use
- Blood tests can help identify heavy drinkers
- Symptoms of anxiety or depression may occur with heavy alcohol use, or may be masked by alcohol use.
- Encourage the person to seek help.