Alcohol: how much is too much?

Drinking alcohol is an activity that many people enjoy. Occasionally taking a few drinks at a party or to celebrate a birthday or promotion is generally harmless. Most people do not have problems as a result of drinking alcohol in this manner. Sometimes, though, there is a question of whether someone is drinking too much.

Alcoholism is a chronic illness where alcohol is habitually consumed. Some alcoholics drink daily. Others drink less often, but the drinking becomes out-of-control. Alcohol use is to the degree that it interferes with physical or mental health or with normal social or work behavior. Alcohol produces both physical and psychological addiction.

There are some important signs that can suggest there is a drinking problem. There is a problem if you or someone you know:

drinks to get drunk
drinks to deal with problems
has a personality change when drinking
drinks and drives
drinks before going to work
is preoccupied with drinking
denies drinking or hides alcohol
frequently drinks alone or
habitually misses work or other important appointments or dates

These signs indicate that a physical addiction to alcohol may be present. An alcoholic may experience blackouts or periods of time when he drinks and has no memory. To stop drinking alcohol suddenly after drinking it regularly may cause withdrawal, or DT's.

Some symptoms of dt's include:

tremors or shaking of the hands and face
an elevated temperature, pulse and blood pressure
seeing things that are not there
sweating
anxiousness and
seizures

Any drinking that is mixed with driving is too much drinking! Not only is it against the law, it is dangerous. A good rule of thumb is to allow one hour to pass for each drink before getting behind the wheel. If you weigh less than 150 pounds, you should wait a little longer.

To learn more, call your school or work site nurse or work assistance program. The National Council on Alcoholism at (800) NCA-CALL can help you learn more about alcoholism. Or, look in your white pages for your local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous.

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