Signs & Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence?
If you are alcohol dependent you have a strong desire for alcohol. Sometimes the desire is overwhelming, you have great difficulty in controlling your drinking. In addition, your body is also so used to quantities of alcohol you can start to develop withdrawal symptoms 3-8 hours after your last drink, as the effects of alcohol wears off. So, even if you want to stop drinking, it is difficult because of the withdrawal symptoms.
The withdrawal symptoms include feeling sick, trembling, sweating, craving for alcohol and just feeling awful. Convulsions can occur in a small number of cases.
As a result, you drink alcohol regularly "depend" on it to prevent these symptoms. If you do not have anymore alcohol the withdrawal symptoms usually last 5-7 days, but craving for alcohol can persist longer. We do not recommend you stop drinking suddenly as this can lead to convulsions. The severity of dependence can vary; it can develop gradually and become more severe. You may be developing alcohol dependence if you:
- need a drink everyday
- drink alone often
- drink more than is your original intention
- need a drink to stop trembling (the shakes)
- drink early, or first thing in the morning (to avoid withdrawal symptoms)
- often have a strong desire to drink
- spend a lot of time in activities where alcohol is available
- neglect others interests or pleasure because of alcohol drinking
If you answer yes to one or more of the above questions you may need to seek professional advice. Please give yourself a break and contact the Abbeycare Foundation team on 01294 835900 and they will assist you take the next step.
