• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Alcohol Addiction
    • Alcohol Addiction
    • Alcohol Detox
    • Alcohol Rehab
    • Alcoholism, Addiction And Recovery
    • Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
    • Get Help For Alcohol Addiction
    • Alcohol & Alcoholism
    • Stop Drinking Alcohol
    • Alcohol Detox At Home
    • Counselling For Alcohol Addiction
    • Alcohol Drinks Journal
    • Alcohol Units Guide
  • Drug Addiction
    • Drug Addiction
      • Drug Detox
      • Drug Rehab
    • Cocaine Addiction
      • Cocaine Detox
      • Cocaine Rehab
    • Cannabis Addiction
      • Cannabis Detox
      • Cannabis Rehab
    • Heroin Addiction
      • Heroin Detox
      • Heroin Rehab
    • Amphetamine Addiction
    • Crack Addiction
    • Crystal Meth Addiction
    • GHB Addiction
    • Ketamine Addiction
    • Mephedrone Addiction
    • Prescription Drug Addiction
    • Steroid Addiction
  • Prescription Drugs
    • Prescription Drug Rehab
    • Prescription Drug Detox
    • Pregabalin Addiction
    • Hydrocodone Addiction
    • Oxycodone Addiction
    • Benzodiazepine Addiction
    • Fentanyl Addiction
    • Valium Addiction
  • Helping Others
    • Help For My Addicted Husband
    • Help For My Wife
    • Help For My Son
    • Help For A Loved One
    • Help For My Daughter
    • Help For A Work Colleague
    • Help For A Friend
    • Help For Myself
  • Locations
  • Online Rehab
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
Help 4 Addiction

Help 4 Addiction

Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation

Trustpilot

Call Us: 0203 955 7700

Get Rehab Prices Start Your Consultation
  • Alcohol Addiction
        • Alcohol Addiction
        • Alcohol Detox
        • Alcohol Rehab
        • Alcoholism, Addiction And Recovery
        • Get Help For Alcohol Addiction
        • Alcohol & Alcoholism
        • Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
        • Stop Drinking Alcohol
        • Alcohol Detox At Home
        • Counselling For Alcohol Addiction
        • Alcohol Drinks Journal
        • Alcohol Units Guide
  • Drug Addiction
        • Drug Addiction
          • Drug Detox
          • Drug Rehab
        • Cocaine Addiction
          • Cocaine Detox
          • Cocaine Rehab
        • Cannabis Addiction
          • Cannabis Detox
          • Cannabis Rehab
        • Heroin Addiction
          • Heroin Detox
          • Heroin Rehab
        • Amphetamine Addiction
        • Crack Addiction
        • Crystal Meth Addiction
        • GHB Addiction
        • Ketamine Addiction
        • Mephedrone Addiction
        • Steroid Addiction
        • Prescription Drug Addiction
  • Prescription Drugs
        • Prescription Drug Rehab
        • Prescription Drug Detox
        • Benzodiazepine Addiction
        • Fentanyl Addiction
        • Oxycodone Addiction
        • Hydrocodone Addiction
        • Pregabalin Addiction
        • Valium Addiction
  • Helping Others
        • Help For My Addicted Husband
        • Help For My Wife
        • Help For A Friend
        • Help For My Son
        • Help For My Daughter
        • Help For A Work Colleague
        • Help For A Loved One
        • Help For Myself
  • Locations
  • Online Rehab
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Alcohol Addiction

What This Page Covers show
What is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol Dependence
Risk Factors for Alcoholism
What is Alcohol Use Disorder/ Alcohol Abuse?
Changing in Terminology
Alcohol Poisoning
Signs of Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol Poisoning is an Emergency
The Main Effects of Alcohol Addiction
What is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Inpatient vs Outpatient Treatment
Alcohol Detox
Therapy
Aftercare (Secondary Treatment)
Preventing Relapse
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I drinking too much?
Can you recover from alcohol addiction at home?
Can you recover from alcohol addiction at home?
Am I a functioning alcoholic?
How do I help my alcoholic loved one?
What are the symptoms of alcohol addiction?
Will the NHS help me to quit drinking?
Can you OD on alcohol?
How long for alcohol rehab?
If I have an alcohol addiction, how do I get help?

Last updated on April 14th, 2022 at 09:54 am

Do you think you may be suffering from alcohol addiction? If so, you’re not alone. In England, it’s estimated that there are 602,391 people who are dependent on alcohol. However, 82% of these people aren’t currently receiving treatment. [i] If you fail to act on your alcohol dependence or your alcohol addiction, then alcoholism could destroy not only your body but your mind and your life.

Addiction to alcohol can be debilitating and can have negative effects on your personal life and your work life, including your family and relationships. [ii] If your alcohol consumption appears to be taking over your life, then the chances are you have a problem.

Likewise, if somebody you know is dependent on alcohol and is experiencing issues in their life due to their drinking, they may have a drinking problem. It is important that you get the help you need if you are struggling to control your alcohol consumption. This is something we can help with at our many Help4Addiction treatment centres. Read on to learn more about alcohol addiction and how Help4Addiction can help you get your alcohol addiction under control.

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is widely recognised as a mental and physical illness. Alcoholism is characterised by the need or urge to drink alcohol – even though most people with an addiction to alcohol are aware of the damage that the drinking is doing. People with alcohol addiction are often alcohol abusers and dependent on alcohol.

Not everybody is aware that there is a difference between the two. We’ll talk more about alcoholism and alcohol abuse in the ‘What is Alcohol Abuse?’ section – but the main difference is that dependence is when you feel unable to function without alcohol and alcohol becomes a focal part of life, whereas alcohol abuse is when you continue to drink despite being aware of the issues that may present. Many people who are dependent on alcohol will abuse alcohol and vice versa.

Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol dependence not only causes unpleasant physical withdrawal symptoms and mental withdrawal symptoms, which can further the urge and desire to drink alcohol. [iii] If you think you are struggling with alcohol addiction, it’s important that you receive the right treatment and support to get the addiction under control and prevent relapse.

Risk Factors for Alcoholism

Although anybody can develop alcohol dependence, there are certain risk factors that can be linked to alcoholism and alcohol abuse. For example, there is abundant evidence that suggests alcoholism can be genetic – with variations in numerous genes that can affect the risk factor.

Some genes that have been identified as increasing the risk of alcoholism and other substances include ALDH2 and ADH1B. [iv] However, there are many more factors that could increase the likelihood of developing alcohol addiction. As well as genetics and family history, a person’s environmental influences can also increase their chances of developing alcohol addiction.

For example, if you grew up with your parents regularly consuming or excessively drinking alcohol, you may have come to an understanding that this is a natural behaviour. [v] Children tend to copy their parents or parent figures, as well as their friends. Peer pressure can increase the risk of developing issues with alcohol – if your friends are drinking too much, then you may also develop alcohol-related problems. [vi] One of the risk factors for alcoholism may include drinking from an early age – more specifically, the age that which you first try alcohol.

A study has suggested that if you drink alcohol before the age of 15, then the likelihood of developing an alcohol addiction may increase. [vii] Those suffering from mental health issues such as depression may increase the chances of developing alcohol addiction. People with low mood and depression may use alcohol as a form of self-treatment. However, excessive alcohol consumption can increase the chances of developing depression. [viii]

In fact, women are more than two times as likely to begin drinking excessively if they have experienced depression in the past. Likewise, stress has also been linked to alcohol misuse. [ix] Early life stressors, as well as cumulative life stressors, can also affect drinking – if anxiety levels and stress levels are high, then you may be more likely to drink alcohol to deal with the negative feelings. Stress doesn’t always cause alcohol addiction – however, the combination of stress and genetics can certainly increase the risk factor.

What is Alcohol Use Disorder/ Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol abuse isn’t the same as alcohol addiction – however, it is a drinking pattern that can have many negative consequences, including negative effects on family, relationships, and failure to succeed in school or work. People who abuse alcohol may also experience legal issues relating to their drinking – such as driving under the influence of alcohol. [x]

Abusing alcohol is essentially the act of binge drinking and having negative drinking patterns. People who abuse alcohol may just drink once or twice a week but will drink an excessive amount that often causes physical damage to their bodies. For example, if you drink an unhealthy amount of alcohol on just the weekends (binge drinking), and you cause physical damage to your body or experience negative effects such as legal issues, then you may be an alcohol abuser.

Changing in Terminology

There has been a slight shift in the terminology used to describe alcohol issues in recent times – specifically in professional fields. Historic usage of the term ‘abuse’ is thought to suggest that people intentionally engage in the behaviours, which isn’t always the case.

Alcohol use disorder is becoming a more recognised term, as it puts emphasis on the fact that the condition is a disease – it is diagnosable, debilitating, treatable, and relapsing. [xi]

Alcohol Poisoning

Drinking alcohol doesn’t come without its risks, in both the short term and the long term. Drinking too much alcohol in a short period of time can result in an alcohol overdose, also known as alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol overdose occurs when there is an excessive amount of alcohol in the bloodstream, affecting areas of the brain that control life-supporting functions such as temperature control, heart rate, and even breathing. [xii]  

Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

Some signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning may include:

  • Seizures
  • Pale skin, sometimes a blue tinge
  • Cold skin
  • Clammy skin
  • Vomiting
  • Slowed down breathing
  • Unconsciousness
  • Appearing confused [xiii]

Alcohol Poisoning is an Emergency

If you experience the symptoms listed above or somebody you’re with is experiencing the above symptoms after drinking an excessive amount of alcohol, then we recommend that you call the emergency services as soon as possible (dial 999). When you’re on the phone with the operator or you’re in the hospital, you’ll be asked how much alcohol that you/ the person has had to drink, and what kind of alcohol.

If you’re with somebody that has overdosed on alcohol, don’t leave them alone. A person with alcohol poisoning may be at risk of choking on their own vomit, left unable to breathe. Many people will try to make the person throw up, but this should be avoided as the person could choke. If possible, try to keep the person sitting upright – however, if they are unable to sit up, lie them down with their head to the side to avoid choking. It may be scary calling the emergency services, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. [xiv]

The Main Effects of Alcohol Addiction

As alcohol is a drug, it can have many negative effects on both your body and your mind (physical effects and mental effects). That being said, it’s possible to drink alcohol without experiencing severe effects – as long as you drink in moderation.

The recommended maximum alcohol consumption (according to the UK Government and the NHS) is 14 units per week. [xv] For context in popular alcoholic drinks, 14 units equates to around six glasses of wine (13% ABV), or six pints of beer (4% ABV). When you exceed 14 units, your body may begin to feel adverse effects. If you don’t drink alcohol on weekdays but you drink a lot on the weekend (e.g 10 glasses of wine), then this is considered binge drinking. You may not be dependent on alcohol, but you could be at risk of developing an addiction.

Alcohol can affect the way you think, behave, and act – which is why many people will do things they wouldn’t usually do when they are sober. You can experience withdrawal symptoms, which means you’ll feel the need to drink alcohol to relieve the negative symptoms that you’re experiencing. There are many negative effects of alcohol addiction, including both short term effects and long term effects. Some of the longer-term effects of alcohol use disorder may include:

  • Weakened immune system
  • Changes in weight
  • Changes in appetite
  • Memory and concentration problems
  • Lowered libido
  • Problems with sleep (e.g insomnia)
  • Mood changes and mood swings (e.g anxiety or depression)
  • Difficulties in relationships (romantic, professional, and family [xvi]

You may also experience health issues such as liver disease, high blood pressure, increased risk of certain cancers (breast, mouth, liver, colon), and learning problems. [xvii] Drinking alcohol excessively and regularly will have a negative effect on your life, damaging both your physical health and your mental health, as well as your social life and professional life.

It can also worsen mental disorders such as anxiety disorders and depression. Excessive alcohol consumption also has negative effects on your household, especially if you have children. Your children or the children in your household may feel scared or act up in school. It’s rarely just the person with the addiction that gets hurt – it’s often the people around them too. [xviii]  

What is Alcohol Withdrawal?

If you drink high amounts of alcohol on a regular basis, even if you’re not an alcoholic, you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms if you stop drinking. Alcohol can make you feel relaxed by increasing the GABA effects. GABA is a neurotransmitter that can make you feel calm and sometimes euphoric. Alcohol can also decrease glutamate, which essentially decreases your excitability levels.

Drinking lots of alcohol can make it more difficult for your body to increase GABA and decrease glutamate levels, so you’ll feel the need to consume more alcohol to feel the same effects. Your body gets used to the changes, ultimately producing less GABA and more glutamate.

This means that when you stop drinking suddenly, your body will still be producing less GABA and more glutamate – meaning that you may feel restless, anxious, shaky, and hyper. [xix] The symptoms will be more severe if you previously drank heavily – read on to learn more about the main alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Your body will adapt to alcohol if you drink regularly – so when you suddenly stop drinking and your drinking habits change, you’ll feel the effects of withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the amount of alcohol you typically consume, you may experience physical withdrawal symptoms such as:

  • Seizures
  • Tremors (in hands)
  • High fever
  • Headache
  • Stomach ache
  • Red face
  • Sweating
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

You may also experience psychological and mental withdrawal symptoms such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Hallucinations
  • Troubles with sleep
  • Other mental health problems

These symptoms may come on gradually, and worsen with time. Many people have different experiences with alcohol withdrawal symptoms, typically depending on their age, history with alcohol, weight, etc.

Many people will relapse to relieve the negative withdrawal symptoms – but the best way of avoiding this and dealing with the withdrawal symptoms is by getting quality and effective alcohol addiction treatment from qualified and trained medical professionals, such as our team at Help4Addiction. Read on to learn more about alcohol addiction treatment and how we can help you overcome your addiction and prevent relapse.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

We offer a variety of rehabilitation treatments that can help you or your loved one if you’re dealing with alcohol addiction, whether it be via an outpatient clinic or a residential rehab centre. We’ll usually begin with alcohol detoxification – and you may be able to partake in our alcohol home detox kits.

To learn more about this service, give us a phone call. Once you’ve completed the alcohol detox process, therapy will be available to help you. Your rehab centre will provide you with qualified therapists and consultant psychiatrists, and sometimes even holistic therapies and recreational activities.

However, the latter are generally found in private rehab centres and residential services. Nobody should have to live with substance abuse, so have a chat with us today to start getting your life back on track.

Inpatient vs Outpatient Treatment

Before starting the alcohol rehab process, it’s important to know the difference between outpatient treatment and inpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment centres are places where you can receive alcohol counselling and guidance, which may include one-on-one counselling and/ or group therapy sessions. At Help4Addiction, we can find the best service for you and your circumstances.

You can find these services for free through the NHS or from your GP, but with Help4Addiction, the experience is sure to be more streamlined and personalised. Residential rehab is a facility in which you move to undergo addiction treatment. You’ll temporarily live in a residential rehab centre for the duration of your recovery, and you’ll have meals and accommodation provided for you.

Most people will choose a 28-day residential rehab course, but some alcohol rehab centres allow you to stay for up to three months. The amount of time you stay at a rehab centre depends on the severity of your drinking habits.

Alcohol Detox

The first step of any alcohol addiction treatment is detoxing from alcohol. This can be difficult, especially with the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms mentioned previously. Any and all access to alcohol will be cut off, so your body will be forced to free itself of alcohol dependency.

You will typically be given alcohol addiction medication to help you deal with the uncomfortable and unpleasant alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The alcohol detoxification process will generally last two weeks, but this may differ depending on how much alcohol your body is used to consuming your age, and your weight. [xx]  

Therapy

After you have successfully completed the alcohol detox process, you’ll undergo therapy. This typically involves alcohol counselling and group sessions, as well as a variety of additional services that can help you combat the addiction and gain control of your life.

You may undergo CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) which can help you get to the root of your addiction, and gain an understanding of how your negative relationship with alcohol began. CBT is a form of talking therapy based on the idea that your thoughts, feelings, and actions are linked – and the cycle can be broken. [xxi] CBT can also help you understand your triggers, which can help you to avoid relapses.

Aftercare (Secondary Treatment)

Treatment doesn’t have to end once you’ve completed rehab – you’ll typically be offered aftercare/ secondary treatment after you’ve been discharged.

This involves attending outpatient centres and receiving support to help prevent relapses. You may also want to attend support groups, as it can be comforting to discuss your thoughts and feelings with others who understand what you’re going through. We strongly advise that you receive help for your alcohol addiction. Although rehab for alcoholism can be expensive, our friendly team can find the most suitable rehab centres for your budget as well as your personal needs. The recovery process can be long and difficult, but we’ll be here for you every step of the way.

Preventing Relapse

Alcohol addiction isn’t something that you can completely cure – and unfortunately, there is always a chance of relapsing. However, with the right treatment, the chances of relapse are dramatically cut.

After detoxing, continuing cognitive therapy can give you the tools you need to identify your triggers and prevent relapses – ultimately breaking the bad habit for good. There are three main stages to relapse – emotional, mental, and physical. However, proper self-care and continued secondary treatment can help to break the cycle. [xxii]  

Contact Us Today

Learning about alcohol addiction is key to recognising the symptoms of alcoholism. If any of the above resonates with you, or you’ve spotted the signs in a loved one, then contact our helpful team at Help4Addiction to discuss how we can help you. Our trained advisors will give you all the information you need and listen to everything you have to say.

This will help us make the right treatment plan for you or your loved one, and point you in the right direction. We offer a variety of addiction treatment options, whether it be a treatment facility on an inpatient basis or an outpatient basis. With treatment centres located all around England and Wales, you’re sure to find the right local treatment centre. We can also help you overcome other drug addictions, whether it be cocaine rehab, heroin rehab, or cannabis rehab.

Drug abuse can be debilitating and it’s always best to receive the best treatment and professional treatment advice. Contact Help4Addiction today to discuss your treatment options.

[i] https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/fact-sheets/alcohol-statistics

[ii]https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/addiction-treatment-recovery/alcohol/how-alcohol-destroys-families

[iii]https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/mental-health/alcohol-dependence

[iv] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4056340/

[v] http://www.ctclearinghouse.org/customer-content/www/topics/coa-important-facts.pdf

[vi]https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-09060-2#:~:text=Perceived%20peer%20pressure%20has%20been,embedded%20within%20many%20social%20rituals.

[vii] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17207104/

[viii] https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/alcohol-and-depresssion

[ix] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3860387/

[x] https://www.apa.org/topics/substance-use-abuse-addiction/alcohol-disorders

[xi] https://www.verywellmind.com/alcohol-abuse-vs-alcohol-dependence-63101

[xii]https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-dangers-of-alcohol-overdose

[xiii] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse/risks/

[xiv] https://www.ddap.pa.gov/overdose/Pages/Alcohol-Poisoning-Overdose.aspx

[xv]https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/drink-less/#:~:text=It’s%20recommended%20to%20drink%20no,risk%20of%20harming%20your%20health.

[xvi]https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol/effects-on-body#long-term

[xvii]https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm#:~:text=Long%2DTerm%20Health%20Risks,liver%20disease%2C%20and%20digestive%20problems.&text=Cancer%20of%20the%20breast%2C%20mouth,liver%2C%20colon%2C%20and%20rectum.

[xviii] https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/coping-alcoholic.html

[xix] https://www.verywellmind.com/alcohol-withdrawal-symptoms-quiz-69485

[xx]https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/addiction-treatment-recovery/alcohol/how-long-does-alcohol-detox-take

[xxi]https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/overview

[xxii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4553654/

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I drinking too much?

If you are drinking more than the recommended 14 units of alcohol per week, and if you are doing this on a regular basis, then the chances are that you are either addicted to alcohol or you are forming an addiction that hasn’t taken hold yet.

Can you recover from alcohol addiction at home?

If you can’t go a day without a drink, then you might have an addiction. There are plenty of other signs, too. Do you hide how much you drink from your family? Does your significant other often tell you that you drink too much? Do you regularly black out when drinking, forgetting parts of your night or day? Do you drink during the day?

All of these things are signs that you might have an alcohol addiction. Contact us to get help before you become one of the horrifying statistics that make alcoholism so deadly.

Can you recover from alcohol addiction at home?

In some instances, a budding or brewing alcohol addiction can be treated without you checking yourself in to a rehab clinic. These cases are rare, and this does not apply to those who have been heavy drinkers for many years. You will have to go through an online consultation to see if you are eligible, then you will be prescribed the at-home detox kit.

Am I a functioning alcoholic?

A functioning (or high functioning) alcoholic, is someone who drinks every day but still manages to hold down their life. It might only be a matter of time before the world comes crashing down around you, should you find yourself in this position.

How do I help my alcoholic loved one?

If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from an addiction to alcohol, the best thing you can do for them is to be upfront and honest. If this doesn’t work, you can progress onto a staged intervention, with the collaboration of some other people who are close to your loved one.

Don’t forget that you can help an alcoholic loved one by passing them the phone number for our expert placement team, here at Help 4 Addiction. Our staff are trained to source the ideal rehab clinic near you, that meets your rehab needs. Call 0203 955 7700 today to get that help or keep hold of our number to pass on to your friend in need.

What are the symptoms of alcohol addiction?

 It is difficult to pinpoint the symptoms of addiction to alcohol – but it is easier to describe the alcohol withdrawal symptoms that may indicate you are drinking too much.

Will the NHS help me to quit drinking?

The NHS can give you some help to stop drinking but programs are limited and waiting lists are long. For an affordable extra fee, you should be able to get help for an addiction to alcohol from private rehab clinics, with help from partial NHS funding. You can read more about how much alcohol rehab costs, here.

Can you OD on alcohol?

Yes – you can overdose on alcohol. If you drink too much in one go, your body will become poisoned. You will have given yourself alcohol poisoning, a serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated. Call an ambulance or get yourself into a hospital for emergency treatment if this has happened to you.

How long for alcohol rehab?

If you go into a clinic for rehab from alcohol addiction, you will have to go through the alcohol detox period first. This can take anything up to a fortnight. You will then have to be transferred to the rehab portion of your stay. This portion will usually take place in the same building but will require you to move on to more intensive therapies.

If I have an alcohol addiction, how do I get help?

 If you think you are suffering from an alcohol addiction and you live in England or Wales, we want you to call us. Help 4 Addiction provides completely tailored guidance that can help you find the best rehab clinic for you, near you, and that will help you change your life. Visit our Consultation page today for a free online consultation.

Author

Nick Conn

Nicholas Conn is a leading industry addiction expert who runs the UK’s largest addiction advisory service and is regularly featured in the national press, radio and TV. He has been clean himself since 2009 and has worked in the Addiction and Rehab Industry for over a decade. Nick is dedicated to helping others recover and get treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. In 2013, he released a book ‘The Thin White’ line that is available on Amazon.

Doctor’s View

There’s no point in quibbling over definitions of alcoholism and addiction. 

If people get problems as a result of using alcohol, they have problems with alcohol. That all there is to it.

But, of course, the very people who do have problems with alcohol are the ones who believe their difficulties come from outside circumstances. 

“If you had my work (lack of work, spouse, lack of spouse etc etc) you would drink as I do” is the mantra repeated – to self as well as others – day after self-pitying day. 

There’s a simple self-test I recommend: have two drinks at lunchtime (nothing before and nothing afterwards, but you must have those two drinks) every day for a week. 

If you can do that without any excuses or rationalisation for ‘slips’ and without going up the wall in frustration, then you probably don’t have a significant problem with alcohol addiction.

You may behave stupidly with alcohol. Many people do. In the belief they’re being clever or social or having fun.

I’ve done that. But my stupidity persisted and became no fun at all.

Another test is to see who else (not another ‘heavy drinker’) believes you have a problem with alcohol. The evidence mounts with the independent numbers. 

In my definition, an addiction – to be termed as such – has to be progressive and destructive.

This is the basis for the third test. A man who has lost his job, his wife and his diving licence – all as the result of his alcohol consumption – does not need detailed further assessment.

And the fourth test is on my addiction questionnaire on alcohol. Four or more positive answers (out of ten indicating specific addictive tendencies) does indicate a problem that needs professional help from another addict.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr Robert Lefever

Dr. Robert Lefever is a world leading addictions specialist. He is the foremost expert for addiction treatment. He has personally been in recovery from all substances since the 12th October 1984.

He created the first rehab in the UK to look at all addiction in 1986. Dr Robert Lefever wrote with Professor Geoffrey Stephenson the masters degree course in addiction psychology at London South Bank University, this was the first of its kind and one of the most highly regarded courses that a therapist can do today.

Robert is also a TED speaker, author, composer and still remains an addiction treatment counsellor.
Last Medically Reviewed On: 06/16/2021
Due to be Reviewed On: 06/16/2023

Primary Sidebar

  • FREE CALLBACK SERVICE

    We offer a free
    callback service 24/7

    Simply enter your number below
    and our addiction counsellors will call
    you back in a few minutes.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Alcohol Addiction

  • Alcohol Addiction
  • Alcohol Detox
  • Alcohol Rehab
Free Drug and Alcohol Rehab Consultation

Footer

Get Help Now

  • Phone 0203 955 7700 or enter your phone number and get a call back.

    FREE CALL BACK SERVICE 24/7

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

About Help 4 Addiction

Help 4 Addiction’s experienced support team are always on hand to offer you the most personal and cost effective options available for alcohol and drug addiction treatment

0203 955 7700
support@help4addiction.co.uk

Additional Links

  • Private Residential Rehab Clinics
  • Alcohol Addiction
  • Alcohol Rehab & Addiction Treatment
  • Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
  • Online Therapy
  • Detox from Home

Get Help Now

  • Phone 0203 955 7700 or enter your phone number and get a call back.

    FREE CALL BACK SERVICE 24/7

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

© 2022 Help 4 Addiction. All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy
  • Terms & Conditions
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT