In Britain, over 90% of the population drink alcohol. It is our favourite drug. Alcohol abuse is one of the leading causes of death in the UK, often undiagnosed and left untreated. Recent research suggests that women are more susceptible than men to alcohol-related diseases. The traditional gender gap ratio of three male to one female, is now approaching two to one in the younger generation. More alarmingly, if this rise continues there will be 45% more elderly female alcoholics by the year 2018.

What is alcoholism?

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence syndrome, is a disease.
An alcoholic has an uncontrollable need to drink alcohol.
Once you begin drinking you cannot control it and you cannot stop.
You will experience a physical dependency with symptoms such as anxiety nausea, sweating and shakiness. These will be relieved as soon as you have an alcoholic drink.
The more you drink, the greater the quantities you need to get drunk.
Alcoholics need help and support to stop drinking.
Alcoholics need to stop drinking altogether. There is little evidence to support the idea that controlled drinking works.
Controlled drinking is the notion that alcoholics can learn to drink in moderation.
There is a high rate of relapse among alcoholics. However, the longer you abstain the better your chances of remaining sober.
Prescribed medication is becoming more widespread in the treatment of alcoholism.
Alcoholism is not a character defect.

Alcohol abuse
Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that differs from alcoholism but sufferers do experience many of the effects associated with alcoholism. Alcohol abuse does not include the extremely strong craving for alcohol, the physical dependency or loss of control. Alcohol abuse does not necessarily lead to alcoholism, but it can endanger your overall health and well-being.

The ability to function at work, school or in the home is impaired.
Drink driving or operating machinery whilst under the influence.
Legal problems, such as being arrested for violent actions towards others.
Recurring relationship problems caused by the effects of alcohol.
If you believe that you suffer from alcohol abuse, get advice on how to stop your drinking pattern.
Some people choose to abstain completely from drink while others prefer to put a limit on what they drink
Examine why you want to drink in an unhealthy way by going to counselling.

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Alcoholism