Alcohol misuse is when you drink in a way that's harmful, or when you're dependent on alcohol. To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level, both men and women are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units a week.
A unit of alcohol is 10ml of pure alcohol, which is about:
Half a pint of lower to normal-strength lager/beer/cider (ABV 3.6%)
A single small shot measure (25ml) of spirits (25ml, ABV 40%)
A small glass (125ml, ABV 12%) of wine contains about 1.5 units of alcohol.
Risks of alcohol misuse
The short-term risks of alcohol misuse include:
Accidents and injuries requiring hospital treatment, such as a head injury
Violent behavior and being a victim of violence
Unprotected sex that could potentially lead to unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Loss of personal possessions, such as wallets, keys or mobile phones
Alcohol poisoning – this may lead to vomiting, fits (seizures) and falling unconscious
People who binge drink (drink heavily over a short period of time) are more likely to behave recklessly and are at greater risk of being in an accident.
Persistent alcohol misuse increases your risk of serious health conditions, including:
Heart disease
Stroke
Liver disease
Liver cancer
Bowel cancer
Mouth cancer
Breast cancer
Pancreatitis
Damage to the brain, which can lead to problems with thinking and memory
Social problems for some people, such as unemployment, divorce, domestic abuse and homelessness.
If someone loses control over their drinking and has an excessive desire to drink, it's known as dependent drinking (alcoholism).
Dependent drinking usually affects a person's quality of life and relationships, but they may not always find it easy to see or accept this.
Severely dependent drinkers are often able to tolerate very high levels of alcohol in amounts that would dangerously affect or even kill some people.
A dependent drinker usually experiences physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly cut down or stop drinking, including:
Hand tremors – "the shakes"
Sweating
Seeing things that are not real (visual hallucinations)
Depression
Anxiety
Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
This often leads to "relief drinking" to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Am I drinking too much alcohol?
You could be misusing alcohol if:
You feel you should cut down on your drinking
Other people have been criticizing your drinking
You feel guilty or bad about your drinking
You need a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover
Always Remember
Beginning your journey toward overcoming alcohol abuse is both brave and commendable. Acknowledging the struggle and seeking support are crucial steps, and you are already on the path to positive change.
It's okay to face challenges along the way; progress is not always linear. Each day you choose sobriety is a victory, and I believe in your strength to continue making those choices.
Surround yourself with a supportive network, continue seeking professional guidance, and remember that asking for help is a sign of courage, not weakness.
Your commitment to change is inspiring, and as you navigate this journey, be kind to yourself and celebrate the milestones, no matter how small.
You have the resilience to break free from the grip of alcohol, and a brighter, healthier future awaits you. Keep moving forward, one step at a time, and know that you are not alone in this transformative process.