Alcohol assistance
Question
What actually is alcohol 'abuse'? And is there any help available to people who suffer from alcohol abuse? Are there any specific organisations that can offer help?
Answer
Alcohol abuse is when someone uses alcohol excessively and they begin to develop problems as a result. These problems can include:
- social problems, where their alcohol use is beginning to cause trouble within relationships or dangerous behaviour in public;
- legal problems, where the individual has been getting into trouble with the police as a result of their alcohol-fuelled behaviour;
- health problems, where the individual is beginning to have physical signs of excessive alcohol use, such as bloating, red face, internal problems with kidneys or liver.
Abuse is a step away from dependency, so once the individual begins to notice the signs of abuse, it is essential that they get support before it begins to progress to physical and emotional dependence.
If you're worried about your own or someone else's alcohol use local support will be available and most areas have services just for young people. You can find out the details of local services, get support and find out more information about alcohol by calling Drinkline in complete confidence on 0800 917 8282.
Updated: 13/04/2010
Question answered by Addaction
