It is not how much you drink, its how you drink.

How can I tell if alcohol is a problem for me?

Alcohol is a problem for you if it causes problems in any part of your life. This includes your health, work, social life, causes legal problems and life at home. Often people think you have a problem with alcohol only if you drink all the time, start drinking in the morning or are the falling down drunk you may see in movies or tv. Its not necessarily how much you drink its how you drink. You may have a problem with alcohol if you think about drinking all the time, if you keep trying to quit on your own but can't, or if you often drink more than you plan to.

Some questions to consider:

•Do you feel the need to cut down on your drinking?
• Are you trying to control your drinking?
• Are you annoyed by criticism of your drinking?
• Do you feel guilty about your drinking?
• Do you fee hung over, have memory blackouts from drinking?
• Do you have legal problems or DUI's?
• Have you lost time from work or lost jobs due to drinking?
• Do your relationships suffer from your drinking?

If you answer yes to 1 or more of the questions, you may have a problem with alcohol.

Who has an alcohol problem?

Many people only think of a "skid-row bum" when they think of someone with an alcohol problem. This is the end stage of alcohol problems, when a person has lost his or her family, job and health because of alcohol abuse. You don't reach this stage overnight.

You may see less obvious changes along the way, beginning with drinking more than you intended or more than is safe for what you are doing (like driving a car).

Many people find it hard to admit when alcohol is a problem. Often, people around you may see your problem before you do. Think about the things mentioned here. Think about what your friends and family say to you about drinking. Then talk with your family doctor, therapist or counselor about your concerns.

Signs alcohol is a problem:

• Accidents
• Anxiety
• Being unusually suspicious
• Blackouts/memory loss
• Breakdown of relationships
• Depression
• Getting driving tickets
• Insomnia
• Loss of self-esteem
• Not taking care of yourself
• Poor work performance
• Taking sick days for hangovers
• Trembling hands
• Trouble having erections (men)

How does alcohol affect my health?

Alcohol is best known as a cause of cirrhosis, a disease of the liver. However, it has many other effects on your health. It's a major cause of deaths and injuries due to accidents. It can have severe effects on a baby during pregnancy. It can also cause stomach pain due to a bleeding ulcer or irritated stomach lining.

What causes alcoholism?

The causes of alcoholism are not fully known. A history of alcoholism in your family increases your chances of having an addiction problem. Men seem to be more at risk than women. Some drinkers use alcohol to try to relieve anxiety, depression, tension, loneliness, self-doubt or unhappiness.

Why should I quit?

Quitting is the only way to stop the problems alcohol is causing in your life. You can't tell if alcohol is causing problems until you stop for at least 6 months so you can assess if alcohol has been causing problems. It may not be easy to quit. But your efforts will be rewarded by better health, better relationships and a sense of accomplishment. As you think about quitting, you may want to make a list of your reasons to quit.

In certain cases it is not physically safe to stop drinking without the supervision of a medical doctor. Please check with your doctor to insure your safety.