Problems with Alcohol

Gwen Randall-Young

Alcoholism is an insidious disease. It adversely affects the life of the drinker, as well as his or her family. Many people think of alcoholics as people who start their day with a drink and are falling -down drunk by four o'clock. If they are not like this, they think they are not alcoholics. Others think they cannot be an alcoholic because they only drink beer.

Alcoholism is a dependency on alcohol, and it can take many forms. Some alcoholics do not drink every day, but when they do, they cannot stop.

The Mayo Clinic has developed a list of signs that indicate that drinking is out of control: drinking alone or in secret, not remembering conversations or commitments--sometimes referred to as "blacking out", making a ritual of having drinks before, with or after dinner and becoming annoyed when this ritual is disturbed or questioned, losing interest in activities and hobbies that used to bring pleasure, irritability as usual drinking time nears, especially if alcohol isn't available, keeping alcohol in unlikely places at home, at work or in the car, gulping drinks, ordering doubles, becoming intoxicated intentionally to feel good or drinking to feel "normal", having legal problems or problems with relationships, employment or finances.

Excessive drinking is associated with impaired mental functioning, liver disorders, gastrointestinal problems, heart disease and stroke, lung disorders, and increased cancer risk. It also increases the likelihood of other addictions.

If you recognize you have this problem, or if others in your life are telling you that your drinking is a problem, it is time to do something about it. Left untreated, alcoholism can be fatal to one's relationship, career and even life itself.

Talk to your doctor or begin attending Alcoholics Anonymous. The first step to healing is recognizing the problem. If you are recognizing yourself as you read this, do not ignore that inner knowing. Your life could depend upon it. If you are a friend or relative of an alcoholic, consider joining AL-ANON (See my website www.gwen.ca for information on obtaining my Healing Addictions hypnosis recording.)