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Alcohol dependence Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, June 2009.

Answers to questions about alcohol dependence

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

How many units does someone need to drink to be classed as alcohol dependent?

Alcohol dependence is not diagnosed by how many units of alcohol you drink but rather your dependence on or addiction to what you drink, however much that may be.

Explanation

Alcohol dependence is not related to the amount you drink in any given period; it's rather the pattern of dependence on or addiction to what you drink. However, if you drink regularly, your body gets used to lots of alcohol and you may find that you need to drink increasingly more to feel the effects. This is known as dependency and plays a key part in you becoming addicted to alcohol. If you drink to deal with ongoing or underlying problems you are also at greater risk of becoming dependent.

Further information

Sources

  • Chick, J, Understanding alcohol and drinking problems. Family doctor series, ed. T.B.M. Association. Poole: Family Doctor Publications, 2002
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I'm worried that my partner has a drink problem but denies it? What should I do? How do I make them see they have a problem and get help?

If you are worried that somebody close to you is drinking too much or is dependent on alcohol, contact a support group, your GP or a counsellor and speak to them for advice.

Explanation

Many local alcohol services help those affected by their partner's drinking. Your GP or your local phone book will have a list of local services. Al-anon, for example, is a support group for friends and relatives of people who are alcohol-dependent. See contact details below.

Further information

Sources

  • Personal correspondence with Dr Adrian Wimbow, consultant psychiatrist
  • Al-Anon. www.al-anonuk.org.uk, accessed 10 October 2007
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Why are people who are alcohol dependent sometimes undernourished? I thought that alcohol was high in calories?

Alcoholic is high in calories but doesn't contain any vitamins. In conjunction with this, some heavy drinkers neglect eating a healthy balanced diet.

Explanation

Alcoholic drinks are high in calories and are known as 'empty calories' because they have no nutritional value. This is why someone who drinks a lot may put on weight but are undernourished. Also, some people who drink heavily neglect their diet and fail to eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Further to this, alcohol also reduces your body's ability to absorb vitamins from the food that you do eat.

Most commonly, people who are alcohol dependent are deficient in vitamin B1 (thiamine). Your doctor can prescribe thiamine tablets. Vitamin B1 deficiency is linked to brain and nerve damage and if you are in hospital it may be given to you as an injection to ensure that it reaches the brain quickly.

Further information

Sources

  • Chick, J. Understanding alcohol and drinking problems. Family doctor series, ed. T.B.M. Association. Poole: Family Doctor Publications, 2002
  • Alcohol and liver disease. The British Liver Trust. www.britishlivertrust.org.uk, accessed 7 October 2007

Does alcohol dependence run in families?

Yes, alcohol dependency can run in some, but not all, families.

Explanation

There is some evidence to suggest that genetic influences may play a role not only in whether someone likes the taste and effect of drinking alcohol but whether or not the person has the tendency to become addicted or dependent on it. Social, personal and work factors can play a role in alcohol dependence and because someone in your family has a drink problem, it doesn't mean that you will have one too.

Further information

Sources

  • Chick, J, Understanding alcohol and drinking problems. Family doctor series, ed. T.B.M. Association. Poole: Family Doctor Publications, 2002
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How am I likely to feel when I give up drinking?

People differ in how they feel when they stop drinking; some find it easier whilst others find it very difficult. There are some withdrawal symptoms that you may experience.

Explanation

In the first few days after you stop drinking you may experience some withdrawal symptoms. For a few days you may:

  • feel anxious and nervous
  • find it difficult to sleep
  • feel sick and may vomit

It's important to remember that the first few days are the worst and that the symptoms will wear off.

Your doctor may prescribe medicine which can help your body adjust to the absence of alcohol and reduce withdrawal symptoms. If you are a heavy drinker, withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping drinking can carry risks. These include delirium tremens, which requires urgent medical attention. So, you may need medical supervision whilst you give up.

Further information

Sources

  • Chick, J, Understanding alcohol and drinking problems. Family doctor series, ed. T.B.M. Association. Poole: Family Doctor Publications, 2002
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Should I set a date and stop drinking completely on that day or should I cut down gradually over a period of time?

Both approaches are used by people wanting to cut down or stop drinking alcohol. You should speak to your GP about which method would be most suitable for you.

Explanation

If you cut down your alcohol consumption over a period of seven days, this may reduce any mild withdrawal symptoms. Some people find this hard to do and find that setting a date on which to give up is a more successful approach.

You should discuss with your GP which way of giving up would best suit you. You may be advised to be in contact with a medical professional when you stop drinking in case of adverse withdrawal symptoms (such as delirium tremens, which requires urgent medical attention). Your GP may also prescribe medicine which helps your body adjust and reduces withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking.

Further information

Sources

  • Chick, J. Understanding alcohol and drinking problems. Family doctor series, ed. T.B.M. Association. Poole: Family Doctor Publications, 2002
  • Kumar, P and Clark, M. Clinical medicine. 6th edition ed. London: Elsevier Saunders, 2005

I drink to help me cope with my feelings but what else could I do to improve the way I think and feel?

There are many ways that you can improve the way you think and feel other than through drinking. If you think you are experiencing psychological problems you are advised to see your GP.

Explanation

There are a number of ways you can help yourself feel better. Why not try some of the following to improve your wellbeing.

  • Take regular exercise - there is strong evidence that exercise is linked to good mental health.
  • Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins.
  • Ask for help when you need it.
  • Share your problems and feelings with others, either family or friends or with a trained counsellor.
  • Take a break from your regular routine from time to time.
  • Find time to keep in touch with family and friends.

Further information

Sources

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I have given up drinking alcohol and am finding it difficult to get to sleep. Is there anything can try?

Yes, there is a range of self-help methods you can try to help you get to sleep.

Explanation

Some of the following techniques may help you drift off. Try to:

  • take more physical exercise
  • avoid drinks that contain caffeine (such as tea and coffee)
  • have a healthy snack or drink before bedtime, such as hot milk and toast with honey
  • relax before you go to bed by doing an activity you enjoy such as reading, watching a film or having a relaxing bath
  • lie still when you go to bed and relax your body - you can still rest without sleeping
  • listen to a relaxation tape
  • if you find yourself lying there worrying, write your worries down and you can deal with them in the morning

Further information

Sources

  • Chick, J, Understanding alcohol and drinking problems. Family doctor series, ed. T.B.M. Association. Poole: Family Doctor Publications, 2002
  • Alcohol and mental health. Mental Health Foundation. www.mentalhealth.org.uk, accessed 10 October 2007
  • Daley, A, Exercise therapy and mental health in clinical populations: Is exercise therapy a worthwhile intervention? Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 2002. 8:262-270. http://apt.rcpsych.org
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: June 2009

Alcohol dependence factsheet

 

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