Could I Be Alcohol Dependent?

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Could I Be Alcohol Dependent?

Call us if you want to discuss any aspect of your drinking in total confidence. Our telephone number is free of charge and will not show up on your phone bill.

If you think you might be dependent on alcohol, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you lose time from work due to drinking?

2. Is drinking making your home life unhappy?

3. Do you drink because you are shy with other people?

4. Is drinking affecting your reputation?

5. Have you ever felt remorse after drinking?

6. Have you been experiencing financial difficulties as a result of drinking?

7. Do you seek other alcohol dependent people as drinking companions?

8. Does your drinking make you careless of your family's welfare?

9. Has your ambition decreased since drinking?

10. Do you crave a drink at a definite time of day?

11. Do you want a drink the next morning?

12. Does drinking cause you difficulty in sleeping?

13. Has your efficiency decreased since drinking?

14. Is drinking jeopardising your job or business?

15. Do you drink to escape from worries or trouble?

16. Do you drink alone?

17. Have you had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking?

18. Has your GP ever treated you for drinking?

19. Do you drink to build up your self confidence?

20. Have you ever been to a hospital or institution on account of drinking?

If you answered 'Yes' to any one of these question, there is a definite warning sign.

If you answered 'Yes' to any 2 questions, you may be alcohol dependent.

Do I have a problem with my drinking?

The effects of alcohol build up within the body. Starting at the top of this list and working down, ask yourself if you recognise any of these issues.

If you have more than three or four of them at the same time, then you might want to think about whether this is something you need to address.

SDAC recommend that medical or alcohol specialist advice and support should be sought in all situations where alchohol dependence is probable. WARNING: Stopping drinking suddenly can put your health at serious risk.

• Drinking more or differently

• Behaviour while drinking affecting family and friends

• Occasional memory loss

• Problems with money

• Work problems

• Not eating properly

• Lack of energy, physical, emotional, sexual

• Loss of interest in hobbies and pastimes

• Stomach upsets

• Not sleeping very well

• Incontinence

• Feeling depressed

• Needing a drink to get going

• Sweating

• Nausea

• Shaking

• "Epileptic type" fits

• Tingling sensations in your hands or feet