What is Alcohol Misuse and Dependence?
For some people, the amount of alcohol they drink means they face a risk of developing alcohol related problems, including physical, psychological and social problems like heart disease, depression and domestic abuse. This is called alcohol misuse.
How common is Alcohol Misuse and Dependence?
Alcohol misuse is common in England, and one third of men and one sixth of women drink alcohol at a dangerous level.
There were 863,000 alcohol related hospital admissions and over 6000 deaths in 20007 in England directly related to alcohol. However, there are many more conditions related to alcohol misuse, such as heart disease, stroke and cancers.
What are the symptoms of Alcohol Misuse and Dependence?
There are many signs that you may have an alcohol dependence, including feeling like you should cut down on drinking, being criticised by other people for your drinking, feeling guilty about your drinking, and needing a drink first thing in the morning.
Other signs are being unable to remember what happened the night before as a result if drinking, and missing appointments because you are hungover.
How is Alcohol Misuse and Dependence treated?
Treatments for alcohol misuse and dependence include counselling, medication and self-help groups. There are also numerous UK charities to help people with alcohol related problems and their relatives, like Alcoholics Anonymous and Alcohol Concern.
If access to Specialist Treatment centres is important, choose a policy with London Hospital coverage.