Got a drink problem?
Nobody likes to admit that drink has got the better of them. Check out the facts right here, and learn to recognise the warning signs
Know your limits
The amount of alcohol a person consumes is measured in units. Here are some rough examples of what makes up a typical unit:
- Half a pint of beer or cider
- A small glass of wine
- A single measure of spirits (e.g. whisky, vodka, rum or gin)
As a rule, health experts recommend that adult men drink no more than 21 units per week, and women 14 units. In real terms, this means blokes shouldn't exceed 2 pints of lager/beer, or 3 glasses of wine a day, while women should avoid going beyond a pint or a couple of glasses. Why? Because the male body is made up of 66% fluid, compared to 55% for women. This means alcohol is more diluted in a man's body than a woman's. As a result, women tend to get drunk faster than men on the same amount of alcohol.
Waking up to the warning signs
If you're unsure whether you exceed your weekly unit allowance, try setting up a drinking diary for a while. Be sure to include every drink, the amount, the occasion, and where possible the alcohol by volume. Also make a note of whether you had a hangover and how that affected your day. That way you can build up a picture of your drinking habit, and work out whether things might be slipping out of control. Other warning signs include:
- Drinking larger amounts to get the same effect.
- Doing things when you're drunk that you go on to seriously regret.
- Missing an appointment because of a hangover.
- Binge drinking (going without for some time, and then drinking excessively in one period).
If you go beyond the recommended number of weekly units, or you can regularly see yourself in any of these signs, it's time to think about cutting down. If the following points sound familiar, however, then you may well have developed a drink-dependency pattern that requires professional help:
- Boozing in secret, or playing down how much you drink.
- Thinking about alcohol a lot, and when you'll next get a chance to drink.
- Getting into trouble as a result of alcohol (i.e. accidents or violence).
- Finding yourself in debt because of the amount you spend on alcohol.
- Becoming anxious when you can't get access to drink.
- Thinking you need a drink to help deal with certain situations.
- Getting into arguments or having accidents because of booze.
- Evading questions about your alcohol intake, or feeling uncomfortable about responding at all.
- Reacting angrily when people suggest you have a drink problem.
Advice and support
Al-Anon Family Groups UK and Eire
Understanding and support for families and friends of problem drinkers, whether the person is still drinking or not.
Helpline: 020 7403 0888 Drinkline
Confidential telephone help, info and advice on all aspects of alcohol use and abuse. Calls are free.
Telephone: 0800 9178282
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