Drinking problems can occur without the person even realising it’s happened, which is why these three hidden signs are a must-know.
Most people like a little tipple every now and then, but when does it cross the line into an addiction?
Dr Radu Iosub, Visiting Consultant and Psychiatrist at Priory Hospital Bristol explained that ‘it isn’t always easy to recognise when you, or someone you know, is drinking too much’.
Advert
He shared: “Unhealthy habits can build up gradually, meaning you don’t recognise the impact they're having on your mind and body until later on down the line.”
How much is too much alcohol?
Alcohol is known to be terrible for your overall health, which is why there’s no such thing as a ‘safe’ limit to drink.
Advert
However, The Department of Health and Social Care recommends that men and women consume less than 14 units of alcohol per week.
Some examples of what one unit might look like to help you visualise what your week would need to entail:
· A half pint of lager at 3.6%
· A single (25ml) measure of spirit at 40%
Advert
· Just one half of a standard medium (175ml) glass of wine, at 12%
Now, this doesn’t mean you should guzzle your 14 units in one night, as it should really be spread over three or more days.
That way you’re not binging.
If you find that you’re drinking more than this, you may also notice some symptoms that comes along with an alcohol problem.
Advert
What are common symptoms of alcohol addiction?
There are many signs of alcohol addiction. Some thing to look out for is if your friends or family speak to you about cutting down, you self-medicate with alcohol or you're hiding your drinking.
It’s also common for your drinking to affect your personal and work life, as you struggle to stay sober, and instead spend your time drinking alone.
Advert
What are the hidden signs that a person has an alcohol addiction?
It’s easy to see and feel physical symptoms, and it’s easier for others to notice too.
But these three psychological things are often hidden from view, and therefore could be harder to spot.
They include:
- Developing mental health issues like depression and anxiety
- Experiencing irritability and agitation
- Confusion
How does a professional know if you're addicted to alcohol?
Professionals are able to use screening tools to spot if you’ve got a drinking problem.
One example of this is the CAGE method, which can show you if you have a drinking issue if you answer 'yes' to two or more of the questions.
Here’s what the CAGE asks:
Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking?
Have people Annoyed you by criticising your drinking?
Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking?
Have you ever had an Eye-opener, such as a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get over a hangover?
Another one would be the AUDIT questionnaire.
However, talking to your GP could help you reach the resources you need to quit drinking for good.
If you're worried that you're drinking too much, there's support available. Find out about your options. Drinkline, a free, confidential helpline for people who are concerned about their drinking, or someone else's. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm).
Topics: Health, Alcohol, Food and Drink
Britt Jones