C=
linical
Psychology Associates of
North
Providing Quality Psychological
Consultation, Assessment and Psychotherapy to the North
2121 NW 40th Terr. Ste =
B,
How do I know I have an alcohol pr=
oblem?
by
The question of whether or not one has an alcohol p= roblem is not an unusual question since many individuals enjoy alcohol appropriate= ly and in moderation. In 2006, at least half of Americans aged 12 and older reported they consumed alcohol. <= o:p>
A standard drink is usually considered one beer, a =
glass
a wine or a shot of liquor.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (2007) approximately 7% reported heavy drinking.
It is estimated that 9% of adults suffer and alcohol
abuse or alcohol dependence problem.
With these numbers, you would be an exception if you did not know
someone, perhaps a relative, friend, co-worker or neighbor, who has abused =
or
become dependent on alcohol. =
There
are =
differences
between men and women in patterns and prevalence of alcohol-related problem=
s.
Given the acceptability of alcohol consumption in o=
ur
culture it can be difficult for an individual to distinguish whether their
drinking is “normal” or not.&n=
bsp;
In general, if you are questioning if your behavior is
“normal,” it is worthwhile to pause and consider the topic.
If you consume alcohol and are concerned about your
drinking, there are a number of questions including those below which may h=
elp
you identify if you have a problem.
If these questions raise your doubts, or if you already have any dou=
bt
about whether or not you have a drinking problem, you should seek a full
evaluation by a licensed healthcare professional.
1.
Do you need to drink more alcohol than before, in o=
rder
to reach the same effect?
2.
How often do you have six or more drinks on one occ=
asion?
3.
Have you ever tried to cut down your drinking, but =
found
you were unable to?
4.
Have you ever felt guilty after drinking?
5.
Have you had financial difficulties as a result of
drinking?
6.
Are you careless about your goals when drinking?
7.
Do you want a drink the morning following drinking?=
8.
Do you drink to escape from everyday life?
9.
Do you drink alone?
10.
Have you ever woke up and not remember the night be=
fore?
11.
Do you drink to increase self-esteem?
12.
Have you ever been arrested for a DUI or public
intoxication?
13.
Have you ever been hospitalized as a result of your
drinking?
In
addition to drinking problems and patterns associated with abuse and depend=
ence,
the current psychiatric diagnostic manual (DSM-IV)
notes that diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence are warranted when =
such
problems cause interference in social, occupational or interpersonal functi=
on,
or sometimes health.
Some
questions you may want to ask yourself about interference with friendships =
or
relationships might be:
1.
Have friends or family ever expressed concerns abou=
t your
alcohol use?
2.
Have you noticed increased arguing with your partne=
r as a
result of your drinking?
3.
Has your partner ever made comments such that you a=
re
“nicer” when you are drinking?
4.
Has your partner or family ever said they are going=
to
leave if you do not stop drinking?
5.
Does your drinking make you care less about your
family’s wellbeing?
6.
Have you ever missed an important family event due =
to
drinking (i.e., child’s birthday, holiday dinner)?
7.
When drinking, do you spend time with different fri=
ends
than you usually would?
8.
Do you find you would rather spend time alone than =
with
friends or family?
Questions
regarding your work or school:
1.
Have =
you ever
missed work/school due to drinking or a hangover?
2.
Have =
you ever
drunk at work or school to “get through the day?”
3.
Are y=
ou not
performing up to your expected potential due to drinking?
4.
Have =
you ever
been fired from a job or quit a job, without having another job?
Some
questions you may want to ask yourself about interfering with your health a=
re:
1.
Has your primary care physician expressed concern a=
bout
your drinking?
2.
Have you stopped eating a balanced diet?
3.
Do you often skip meals due to drinking?
4.
Have you or someone else been hurt as a result of y=
our
drinking?
I=
f you
have any doubt, print these questions and answers and bring them to a family
doctor, a psychiatrist or psychologist familiar with drug problems for a
consultation.
Please
call Clinical
Psychology Associates of North Central Florida, P.A. at (352) 336-2=
888
for information about this or any of our programs. We are dedicated to
providing quality psychological assessment, consultation, & treatment s=
ervices
to the North
References
N=
ational
Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2005). Helping
Patients Who Drink Too Much: A Clinician’s Guide.
Nat=
ional
Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2004). Screening for
Alcohol Use and Alcohol Related Problems. NIAAA Newsletter (3),
S=
ubstance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2007). Results
from the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National Findings (Office
of Applied Studies, NSDUH Series H-32, DHHS Publication No. SMA 07-4293).