If you begin to feel that you can't function properly without having a drink, you should seek help before it is too late.

What is alcoholism?
Alcoholism is a state of physical dependence on alcohol. The sufferer experiences a strong desire or compulsion to drink alcohol. Alcoholics have a high tolerance for alcohol.

If no alcohol is consumed, the sufferer experiences withdrawal symptoms, which may include shaking, sweating and nausea. Alcoholics will often drink in the morning to avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms. In severe cases, sufferers may experience delirium tremens ('the DTs') when they withdraw from alcohol. Delirium tremens is a serious medical condition that can be fatal and urgent medical help must be sought.

General Household Survey figures, released in December 1999, show that more than 1 in 25 adults in the UK are dependent on alcohol.

Excess alcohol can lead to health problems including depression, liver cirrhosis, and heart failure. Therefore, for health reasons, women are recommended to drink no more than two to three units of alcohol per day and men no more than three to four units of alcohol per day, with two drink-free days per week for both men and women. If the amount you drink is greater than these recommended levels, it is advisable to cut down.

A unit of alcohol is equivalent to:

half a pint (250ml) of average strength beer

a glass (125ml) of wine

a standard pub measure (25ml) of spirits

a standard measure of fortified wine, such as sherry or port.

How do I find help?
If you drink more than recommended amounts and you find it difficult to cut down, there are several places you can turn to for advice and guidance.

Throughout the country, there are local alcohol advice centres where you can ask for help with your alcohol problem. They can put you in touch with clinics where you will find specialists, nurses and social workers who can help you.

Your GP will be able to give you the telephone number or address of your local alcohol advice centre. You may know you need help cutting down and want to go directly into treatment. But you may simply want to speak to the clinic to judge the seriousness of your problem or for advice about what possibilities are open to you. You can also make contact if you are worried about one of your relatives or friends, who you think may have a drinking problem.

If your drinking has reached a level where you know you cannot sober up without having withdrawal symptoms, the alcohol clinics can help you sober up. Before you contact the clinic you should try to get your alcohol consumption down to a minimum.

What is Alcoholics Anonymous?

Alcoholics Anonymous is the world's biggest union of self-help groups concerned with alcohol abuse.

The therapy in these groups takes place without the interference of public bodies, doctors, psychologists or other professionals.

Attending the meetings is on a voluntary basis. The only requirement is an honest desire to quit drinking.

You will meet people who have been through the same hardships as yourself.

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