How do I know if I am an alcoholic?
There is no agreed definition of an alcoholic.
And many people in the UK drink too much but are not ‘alcoholics’. Actually we don’t like the phrase alcoholic. It is judgemental. An ‘alcohol problem’ is a better phrase.
It is important to know how many units are in all drinks.
Signs of a significant problem are:
- Volume. Over 30 units a week is a concern, over 40 is a major concern . Doctors and the government recommend 14 units or less
- Drinking in the morning
- ‘Withdrawal symptoms’ (eg sweating and shaking) if you do not have it. These are sometimes called ‘DT’s (delerium tremens)
- Drinking high percentage alcohol (e.g. beer or cider over 6.5%, vodka, fortified wines like sherry).
If you are having such issues, you may well need help. Your GP, GP practice nurse or hospital consultant can refer or signpost you to an NHS alcohol team. They often cover recreational drugs as well. Alcoholics Anonymous is a good idea too.
