| People who have an alcohol dependency have a | | | | they've been drinking heavily, how heavily they have |
| strong desire to drink. In some cases, this desire can | | | | actually been drinking and individual personal health |
| be so strong that it is difficult to control and addicted | | | | issues. |
| individuals may feel powerless to stop themselves | | | | Seeking alcoholism treatment |
| drinking or to control how much they drink. | | | | You may need to seek alcoholism treatment if: |
| For those with alcohol dependency there are also | | | | You feel the need to drink alcohol every day |
| physical issues to consider. If someone has been | | | | You regularly drink alone |
| drinking large quantities of alcohol regularly for a | | | | You often set out to drink a set amount but almost |
| significant period of time, they may begin to experience | | | | always drink too much |
| physical withdrawal symptoms if they don't drink for a | | | | You drink to stop the shakes (trembling) |
| while. Withdrawal symptoms can be very unpleasant | | | | You drink when you wake up |
| and caninclude: | | | | You almost always crave alcohol |
| Nausea | | | | You seek out and choose events based on |
| Sweats | | | | whether there will be alcohol |
| General feeling of being unwell | | | | You neglect your work, relationships or hobbies |
| Tremors | | | | because of drinking |
| Convulsions | | | | If you recognise one or more of these behaviours in |
| To combat these symptoms, some people are prone | | | | yourself, it may be time to seek professional help and |
| to then drinking more regularly - they "depend" on | | | | to consider alcoholism treatment options such as an |
| alcohol to keep these symptoms at bay. | | | | alcohol rehab centre or rehab clinic. You can also visit |
| If a person decides to stop drinking, withdrawal | | | | your GP or other addiction/alcohol support service in |
| symptoms can last for up to a week. However, | | | | your area and they will talk you through your options. |
| cravings usually continue after this. Once someone has | | | | Seek help |
| developed an alcohol dependency exhibiting these | | | | If you think you may be an alcoholic, it's important to |
| symptoms, suddenly stopping drinking altogether can | | | | seek help. Drinking too much can affect your health |
| be dangerous as convulsions and other reactions can | | | | and well being as well as damaging your relationships |
| occur. It is safer to stop drinking under medical | | | | and negatively affecting other people around you. |
| supervision or in an alcohol rehab clinic. You should | | | | Long-term problems which can be associated with |
| always contact a medical professional before | | | | heavy drinking include: damage to the liver and heart; |
| detoxing. | | | | high blood pressure; stomach irritations; infertility and |
| The severity of a person's dependence on alcohol | | | | psychological damage. |
| depends on a variety of factors, such as how long | | | | |