Health Topics for Alcohol Problems

Department of Psychiatry Chemical Dependency Center

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.

Copyright (c) 1999. HBO & Company (602) 230-7575. All Rights Reserved.