When is alcohol a problem?
Of an estimated 586,780 dependent drinkers only 18% are receiving treatment
Reviewed by our drug and alcohol lead Matthew Molyneux
Alcohol is consumed in a variety of situations and for varied reasons, this can be to socialise, unwind at the end of the day or having a few drinks at lunch. This can gravitate to what is described as alcohol use disorder without being aware that it has become problematic. Alcohol Use Disorder is a condition in which a person drinks alcohol, even though it has a negative impact on their life. This could be from mild to severe and could start as drinking more to maintain the same effect, noticing that you are looking forward to a drink prior to actually consuming, needing a drink before socialising, drinking noticeably more than others, behaving in ways which sober, you wouldn’t to physically needing a drink of alcohol to steady yourself the next day.
If you are concerned about the amount of alcohol you drink, the way you drink alcohol or are concerned about another person’s alcohol use, please read on.
Are You Continuing to drink despite negative consequences?
Alcohol Addiction Myths
- Alcohol is only a problem if I drink every day
- I don’t have a problem as I don’t drink in the morning
- It’s ok because I don’t drink until the evening
- Alcohol is less harmful than other drugs
- I deserve a drink after the week I had
- I need a drink to relax when I go out
Alcohol Addiction Facts
- Recommended limit for men is 3‒4 units a day (2 pints of beer)
- Recommended limit for women is 2‒3 units a day (2 small glasses of wine)
- Alcohol had been identified as a causal factor of more than 200 medical conditions
- The societal cost of alcohol in the UK is 21 billion including crime, NHS costs and unemployment
- 10.8 million adults are drinking at levels that pose a risk to their health
Worried you have a problem with alcohol?
Try answering these questions as honestly as you can:
- Do you worry sometimes about the amount you drink?
- Do you drink more than others without being noticeably drunk?
- Do you do things when you’re drinking that make you cringe the next day?
- Are your friends, family or work colleagues concerned about your drinking?
- Do you drink to make yourself feel better?
- Do you drink to unwind?
- Do you drink to be more ‘sociable’?
