Are You Addicted to Alcohol?

It is estimated that one in thirteen people in the UK are dependent upon alcohol. Nearly everyone knows of someone who has, to some extent, battled with this particular addiction, one that drives those affected to drink large amounts of alcohol, and to experience withdrawal symptoms if they do not take it regularly. It is also well known that over time the excessive consumption of alcohol can have a detrimental affect on a persons health. Short-term affects include anxiety, memory loss and nausea, while long-term alcohol abuse can increase the risk of a person contracting cancer, liver disease and pancreatitis as well as potentially developing some form of mental illness, such as depression or memory loss.

The good thing is that recovering from alcohol addiction is possible, but first and foremost is that of admission; that a person recognises that they have a problem with alcohol. Only once a person admits that they have a problem can they begin on the road to recovery.

Alcohol Dependency

In moderation, alcohol can, for some, enhance the quality of life. Often consumed with friends and family in social situations, where we celebrate, commiserate and relax. However, for many people the regular consumption of alcohol turns into a habit, the real problem being caused when they have to drink more and more to have the desired effect (e.g. complete relaxation and forgetting about the 'real world'). A person who is alcohol dependent will display the following:

- A strong compulsion to drink; - Continued extreme use of alcohol despite being aware of its damaging affects; - Withdrawal symptoms when decreasing or stopping alcohol consumption; - A pre-occupation with acquiring and consuming alcohol.

How to tell if you are addicted

One of the most comprehensive tests is that developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). If you are concerned rate yourself in the test below:-

1. How often do you drink alcohol? a. Never 0 b. Monthly or less 1 c. Two to four times a month 2 d. Two to three times a week 3 e. Daily or almost daily 4

2. How many standard drinks do you have on a typical day when you are drinking? (A standard drink is half a pint of beer; a single measure of spirits or a small glass of wine.) a. 1 or 2 0 b. 3 or 4 1 c. 5 or 6 2 d. 7 to 9 3 e. 10 or more 4

3. How often do you have six or more drinks on any one occasion a. Never 0 b. Less than monthly 1 c. Monthly 2 d. Weekly 3 e. Daily or almost daily 4

4. How often during the last year have you found that you were unable to stop drinking once you had started? a. Never 0 b. Less than monthly 1 c. Monthly 2 d. Weekly 3 e. Daily or almost daily 4

5. How often in the last year have you failed to do what was expected of you because of drinking? a. Never 0 b. Less than monthly 1 c. Monthly 2 d. Weekly 3 e. Daily or almost daily 4

6. How often in the last year have you had a feeling of guilt or remorse after drinking? a. Never 0 b. Less than monthly 1 c. Monthly 2 d. Weekly 3 e. Daily or almost daily 4

7. How often in the last year have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because you had been drinking? a. Never 0 b. Less than monthly 1 c. Monthly 2 d. Weekly 3 e. Daily or almost daily 4

8. Have you or someone else been injured because of your drinking? a. No 0 b. Yes, but not in the last year 2 c. Yes, during the last year 4

9. Has a relative or health worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested you cut down? a. No 0 b. Yes, but not in the last year 2 c. Yes, during the last year 4

Your score: - Add up the scores for each question to give a total out of 40. - If it is eight or above, you are a 'hazardous' drinker at risk of conditions such as liver disease and depression. - If your total is over 16 you are a 'harmful' drinker and your health is likely to be harmed.

If you feel you are at risk, then please be aware that there are a number of different treatment options available to you, most popular and successful including detoxification, one-to-one and group therapy, residential rehabilitation and self help. There are also many organisations that are ready and willing to assist, these including counselling services (both private and the NHS), and many abstinence based 12 step programmes such as used by Alcoholics Anonymous. Also for families and friends, there is Families Anonymous.

Remember that help is out there and recovery is achievable.