Do you have a drinking problem?

Are you what you call a "social drinker"? Maybe you don't think you have a problem, but people keep telling you that you do. Just how much drinking is "too much" drinking? Where do we draw that imaginary line between social drinking and alcohol abuse?
Alcohol is a substance that is only legal for those of a certain age. Its use affects nearly every part of the body. It is carried through the bloodstream to the brain, liver, other internal organs and muscles - through the entire body. The effects can occur in minutes, and last for several hours. Alcohol is a depressant. It can also make some people more aggressive.
Alcohol can have an effect on a person's motor coordination, making it more difficult to perform tasks like driving or even walking. It can impair memory, and sometimes even blackouts can occur. Under the influence of alcohol, people tend to have poor impulse control, poor judgement, and difficulty making good decisions. All of this leads to risky behaviors that they might otherwise not engage in.
Alcohol problems range from abuse to dependence. Alcohol dependence is the most severe. According to the American Psychiatric Association, people who meet 3 of the following criteria within 1 year are diagnosed with alcohol dependence:
* Evidence of tolerance - needing to drink more to get intoxicated
- the effects of intoxication are reduced with continued use of the
same amount of alcohol
* Symptoms of withdrawal - sweating, nausea, vomiting, anxiety; severe enough to
cause disruption of work or personal life
* Repeatedly drinking more than intended
* Unable to cut down or stop, despite wanting to do so
* Spending a lot of time drinking, recovering from drinking, or obtaining alcohol
* Giving up other activities in favor of alcohol
* Drinking despite persistent physical or psychological problems
Alcohol abuse is less serious, but still requires attention. Abuse is diagnosed is there is 1 or more of the following behaviors within a year:
* Failure to meet obligations at work or school due to alcohol use
* Repeated use of alcohol in dangerous situations, such as driving
* Repeated legal problems related to alcohol use
* Continued alcohol use despite repeated interpersonal problems, arguments, or fights
Even if your drinking does not meet criteria for abuse or dependence, you may still have a problem severe enough to put you at risk for health problems. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines an "at-risk" drinker as follows:
Men: more than 4 drinks per day or more than 14 drinks per week
Women: more than 3 drinks per day or more than 7 drinks per week
Just what is meant by a "drink"? These are standard drink measurements - even though the size of the beverage differs, they contain the same amount of alcohol:
12 oz. beer
8 oz. malt liquor
5 oz. wine
1.5 oz. brandy
1.5 oz vodka, gin, whiskey
So how do you know where you fit into all of this? There is a very simple test you can take, only 4 questions, that can help you decide if your drinking is serious enough to seek professional help. It's called the CAGE: (adapted from NIAAA website)

C Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
A Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
G Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
E Eye opener: Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves
or to get rid of a hangover?
If you answer "yes" to any 2 questions, you should see a health care provider for advice about your drinking. Alcohol abuse and dependence can have serious consequences, both for the patient and his or her family. But it is a treatable disease.
The following websites may also be of use:
http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/

http://www.aa.org/

Especially for teenagers:
http://www.abovetheinfluence.com/

http://www.teenshealth.org/