Alcohol dependence is when drinking becomes something you feel you cannot manage without. Your body gets used to alcohol and you may feel unwell when you stop. It is a health condition, not a weakness, and people recover every day.
Signs of alcohol dependence
- worrying about where your next drink will come from
- feeling a strong urge to drink
- needing more alcohol to get the same effect
- drinking in the morning, or to stop shaking
- finding it hard to stop once you start
- carrying on drinking despite harm to your health, work or relationships
- withdrawal symptoms when you stop, such as shaking, sweating, anxiety, feeling sick or trouble sleeping
Why it happens
There is no single cause. Stress, trauma, mental health problems, loneliness, family history and how easy alcohol is to get can all play a part.
Health risks
Long-term heavy drinking can lead to liver disease, heart disease, some cancers, pancreatitis, brain damage and depression and anxiety.
Getting help
- Your GP can help you plan how to cut down or stop safely.
- Local drug and alcohol services are free and confidential, and you can usually refer yourself.
- Drinkline is a free helpline on 0300 123 1110.
Common questions
Is it dangerous to stop drinking suddenly?
It can be. If you are dependent on alcohol, stopping suddenly can cause serious withdrawal symptoms, including fits. Talk to your GP or local alcohol service first, so you can stop safely.
How much is too much?
The UK advice is to drink no more than 14 units a week, spread over 3 or more days, with some alcohol-free days. That is about 6 medium glasses of wine or 6 pints of average strength beer a week.
Sources we used
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