Alcoholism and Problem Drinking - Signs And Symptoms Part 1

Alcoholism is a word which many people use to mean alcohol dependence (alcohol addiction). Lots of people are problem drinkers without having to be reliant on alcohol. If you are alcohol dependent then detoxing (detox) may help you to stop drinking. Difficulties with drinking alcohol There're generally four levels of alcohol drinking - social, heavy, problem and dependent. Normally, each level raises the risk to your health and safety. Social drinking The majority of people drink a certain amount of alcohol. However, even a little bit of alcohol may be dangerous if you drive, run machines, or take some types of medicine. Heavy (harmful) drinking This is drinking above the suggested safe limits that are: * Men should drink a maximum of 21 units of alcohol weekly and no more than four units in any some day. * Women should drink no more than 14 units of alcohol each week, and no more than 3 units in any one day. (Expecting mothers shouldn't drink at all.) 1 unit of alcohol is in about half a pint of beer, or 2/3 of a small glass of wine, or one little pub measure of spirits. See separate leaflet named 'Alcohol and Sensible Drinking' for details. Drinking over the suggested safe limit is dangerous. That is, it raises your risk of developing diseases like cirrhosis (liver damage), harm to the pancreas, particular cancers, heart problems, sexual problems, and other conditions. About 1 in 3 men, and about 1 in 7 women, drink more than the safe limit. Typically, the more you drink, the higher the risk. For example, if a man drinks 5 units daily (not significantly over the recommended limit) then, normally, he doubles his risk of developing liver disease, raised blood pressure level, some cancers, and of having a severe death. Problem (harmful) drinking Here you continue to drink heavily even though you have caused injury, or are causing harm or problems to yourself, family, or society. For example, you may: * Have cirrhosis or any other alcohol-related condition. * Binge drink and get drunk frequently. This may lead you to lose time off work, or act in an antisocial way when you drink. But note: not everyone with problem drinking binges or gets drunk. A lot of people with an alcohol-related condition like cirrhosis drink small amounts often but do not get drunk. * Waste your money on alcohol than you can afford. * Have problems with your relationships or at the office because of your drinking. A lot of problem drinkers are not reliant on alcohol. They might quit drinking without withdrawal signs or symptoms if they wanted to. But, for one reason or another, they still drink seriously. Alcohol dependence (addiction) It is a serious situation where drinking alcohol takes a high-priority in your life. You drink everyday, and often have to drink to stop unpleasant withdrawal symptoms (see below). In the united kingdom, about 2 in 100 ladies and about 6 in 100 men are alcohol-dependent.

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