NHS has list of six signs you're a borderline alcoholic and need to cut back
Warning: This article contains discussion of alcoholism which some readers may find distressing.
An NHS doctor has listed six signs which mean you could be a borderline alcoholic and need to cut back on drinking.
Although the season of pub garden pints and rooftop cocktails after work is on its way out, those struggling with drink might find the next few months particularly tough.
And you might not even realise you have a problem - or, perhaps you’ve started to spot red flags in your mate’s behaviour.
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According to the NHS, alcohol misuse is when you drink in a ‘way that’s harmful, or when you’re dependent on alcohol’.
In some cases, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to quit but perhaps lower your intake.
To keep health risks from booze at a low level, the NHS advises men and women don’t regularly exceed 14 units of alcohol a week.
However, if you're not sure how much you drink, or if you have a drinking problem or not, Dr Dave Nichols, an NHS GP and medical adviser at MyHealthChecked has revealed six signs to look out for.
This includes:
1) Drink alcohol every day without thinking about it
2) Binge-drink regularly
3) Only socialise where drink is involved
4) Drink regularly during the day
5) Find it annoying when others are not drinking
6) Drink more than the NHS guidelines every month.
Dr Nichols also told The Sun that alcoholism is when a person has an uncontrollable desire to drink.
"Their body is dependent on alcohol," he said. "Alcoholics will usually develop physical and psychological symptoms if they stop drinking.
"Borderline alcoholics might experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, stress, anxiety, bad skin, trouble sleeping, irritability and higher blood pressure.
"They are early indicators that you need to significantly reduce your alcohol consumption.”
He added: "The most common long-term physical impacts of borderline alcoholism are abnormal liver function, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and mental health problems, but these are often hidden diseases and patients are unaware of them until they progress."
You can find an alcohol or drug service in your local area or use the following information to get support:
With You provides a range of support for alcohol, drugs and mental health via a local service or online. These are free and confidential services and include the following:
- Drinkline provides advice for anyone who is worried about their own or someone else’s drinking – phone 0800 731 4314, available Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm and Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
- Alcohol Helpline can provide advice and support if you’re over 50 and are worried about your own or someone else’s drinking – book an appointment online or phone 0808 801 0750, Monday to Friday, 12pm to 8pm and Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
- Know The Score provides support if you’ve taken drugs, are thinking of taking them, or are just curious and want to know more – use their webchat or phone 0800 587 5879, Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Topics: Health, Mental Health, UK News, Food And Drink, Celebrity
Jess Battison