CUTTING DOWN – TIPS TO STAY ON TRACK
What is alcohol dependency?
Alcohol dependence can be defined as a psychological and physical addiction to alcohol – where an individual feels as if they need alcohol to function normally.
Signs of possible alcohol dependence can include*:
- Having a high tolerance for drinking and requiring alcohol to manage withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, tremors or nausea
- Becoming preoccupied with when you can next drink
- Drinking more frequently, faster and in greater amounts than those around you
- Feeling that you can’t stop drinking once you start, in spite of negative consequences
- Requiring alcohol in order to fulfill daily functions
- Others showing concern about your drinking
Alcohol dependency, whether moderate or severe does not necessarily mean an inability to function normally – many people who are alcohol dependent can manage to live fairly normally, work and outwardly appear to be fully functioning for long periods of time.
However, it is often the case that despite this, work lives, personal and family lives begin to suffer as a result of too much drinking, putting enormous strain on family members, colleagues and loved ones.
The majority of dependent drinkers manage to stop, cut down or just regain control of their drinking with the right information and support. It may be hard, but it is possible.
For information on support to cut down or stop altogether see here.
*Heather N et al (2011) Review of the Effectiveness of Treatment for Alcohol Problems, National Treatment Agency