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<p>If you consume alcohol simply to feel good, or to avoid feeling bad, your drinking could become problematic.</p>
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<p>Alcoholism and alcohol abuse can sneak up on you, so it’s important to be aware of the warning signs and take steps to cut back if you recognize them.</p>
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<p>Understanding the problem is the first step to overcoming it.</p>
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<p>Understanding alcoholism and alcohol abuse</p>
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<p>Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are due to many interconnected factors, including genetics, how you were raised, your social environment, and your emotional health.</p>
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<p>People who have a family history of alcoholism or who associate closely with heavy drinkers are more likely to develop drinking problems.</p>
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<p>Finally, those who suffer from a mental health problem such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder (Manic Depression) are also particularly at risk, because alcohol may be used to self-medicate.</p>
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<p>Since drinking is so common in many cultures and the effects vary so widely from person to person, it’s not always easy to figure out where the line is between social drinking and problem drinking.</p>
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<p>The bottom line is how alcohol affects you.</p>
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<p>If your drinking is causing problems in your life, you have a drinking problem.</p>
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<h3>Do you have a drinking problem?</h3>
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<p>You may have a drinking problem if you…</p>
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<ul><li>Feel guilty or ashamed about your drinking.</li><li>Lie to others or hide your drinking habits.</li><li>Have friends or family members who are worried about your drinking.</li><li>Need to drink in order to relax or feel better.</li><li>“Black out” or forget what you did while you were drinking.</li><li>Regularly drink more than you intended to.</li></ul>
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<p>If you think you have a drinking problem we strongly recommend that in the first instance you seek Medical Advice from your GP prior to consulting us for Hypnotherapy.</p>
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<h3>Signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse</h3>
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<p>Substance abuse experts make a distinction between alcohol abuse and alcoholism (also called alcohol dependency).</p>
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<p>Unlike alcoholics, alcohol abusers have some ability to set limits on their drinking.</p>
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<p>However, their alcohol use is still self-destructive and dangerous to themselves or others.</p>
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<p>Common signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse include:</p>
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<ul><li>Repeatedly neglecting your responsibilities at home, work, or school because of your drinking.</li><li>For example, performing poorly at work, neglecting your kids, or skipping out on commitments because you’re hung over.</li><li>Using alcohol in situations where it’s physically dangerous, such as drinking and driving, operating machinery while intoxicated, or mixing alcohol with prescription medication against GP’s orders.</li><li>Experiencing repeated legal problems on account of your drinking.</li><li>For example, getting arrested for driving under the influence or for drunk and disorderly conduct.</li><li>Continuing to drink even though your alcohol use is causing problems in your relationships.</li><li>Getting drunk with your friends, for example, even though you know your partner will be very upset, or fighting with your family because they dislike how you act when you drink.</li></ul>
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<h3>Getting&nbsp;Help for Alcohol Abuse</h3>
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<p>As stated previously, we strongly recommend that in the first instance you consult your GP before you talk to us about how we can help you</p>
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<p>If you’re ready to admit you have a drinking problem, you’ve already taken the first step.</p>
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<p>It takes tremendous strength and courage to face alcohol abuse and alcoholism head on.</p>
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<p>Reaching out for support is the second step.</p>
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<p>I offer FREE initial consultations without financial obligations to allow us to determine which therapeutic intervention could be most appropriate for you.</p>
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