Alcohol: What To Do If It's 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.
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.
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.
Other Organizations:
Alcoholics Anonymous
http://www.aa.org
Check your phone book for local meetings.
National Council on Alcoholism
and Drug Dependence
http://www.ncadd.org
800-475-HOPE
