Clinical
Psychology Associates of
North Central Florida, P.A.

Providing Quality Psychological
Consultation, Assessment and Psychotherapy to the North Central
Florida Community                           CPANCF.COM

2121 NW 40th Terr. Ste B, Gainesville FL
32605

Gainesville: (352)
336-2888                                                                                                                                                                    Ocala: (352)
629-1100

How do I know I have an alcohol problem?

by Kay Hurlock, Psy.D.

The question of whether or not one has an alcohol problem
is not an unusual question since many individuals enjoy alcohol appropriately
and in moderation.  In 2006, at
least half of Americans aged 12 and older reported they consumed alcohol.

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.  Heavy drinking is defined as consuming 5
or more standard drinks on one occasion on each of 5 or more days in the past
30 days.  An episode of drinking 5
or more standard drinks in a day is commonly referred to as a binge.  While many normal drinkers may
occasionally have such a binge episode on a special occasion over a number of
hours, 4-5 or more such binges a month would meet the definition of heavy or
abusive drinking and is associated with adverse health effects.  Acute effects of a binge may be tremors,
increased blood pressure, early morning awakening.  This is not entirely benign, every year
one or more high school athletes with underlying cardiac conditions will die
when under the stress of practice or a game after a night of binging.

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 problems.

Given the acceptability of alcohol consumption in our
culture it can be difficult for an individual to distinguish whether their
drinking is “normal” or not.
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 help
you identify if you have a problem.
If these questions raise your doubts, or if you already have any doubt
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 order
to reach the same effect?

2.
How often do you have six or more drinks on one occasion?

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 before?

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 dependence,
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 function,
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 about your
alcohol use?

2.
Have you noticed increased arguing with your partner as a
result of your drinking?

3.
Has your partner ever made comments such that you are
“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 friends
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 you 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 are:

1.
Has your primary care physician expressed concern about
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 your
drinking?

If 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) 336-2888
for information about this or any of our programs. We are dedicated to
providing quality psychological assessment, consultation, & treatment services
to the North Central Florida Community.

References

National
Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2005).  Helping
Patients Who Drink Too Much: A Clinician’s Guide.  Rockville,
MD

National
Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2004). Screening for
Alcohol Use and Alcohol Related Problems.  NIAAA Newsletter (3), Rockville, MD.

Substance
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).  Rockville,
MD.