Alcohol Problems

Alcohol is commonly seen as a more socially acceptable drug but that does not mean that it is less potent than other drugs. It depresses your nervous system and slows your body's responses in many ways. Most people drink within sensible limits but for some their consumption becomes out of control with regular drinking, or binge drinking.

Alcohol factors in many deaths in the UK both directly (eg liver disease, liver or mouth cancer) as well as indirect association with such things as accidents, suicide and violence.

In 2005 in England and Wales there were 6,570 directly related deaths with the most common being alcohol related liver disease.

Psychological and physical dependence on alcohol is a gradual process. Your tolerance increases over time with regular and increased use.

Denial is one of the major symptoms of the disease of alcoholism: it impairs the judgement of affected individuals and results in self-delusion which keeps them locked in an increasingly destructive pattern.

What are the effects of drinking too much?

There are both psychological and physical health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption, for example:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Panic attacks
  • Aggression
  • Poor memory and loss of inhibitions
  • Paranoia
  • Morbid jealousy
  • Increased risk of suicide
  • Poor co-ordination resulting in increased risk of accidents
  • Sexual problems
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Obesity
  • Liver damage
  • Raised blood pressure
  • Telangiectasia (flushing of the skin which can be permanent)
  • Acne rosacea

Do I have a drink problem?

Some helpful questions to ask yourself or someone you are worried about are the CAGE questions:

  • Have you ever felt like you should cut down on your drinking?
  • Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
  • Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking?
  • Have you ever had an eye opener - a drink first thing in the morning

If you have answered yes to these questions and would like advice or guidance about how to reduce your drinking please contact your nearest Cygnet Hospital to talk to one of our experienced addiction team.

How can Cygnet Health help?

Cygnet Health Care offers detox, rehab and aftercare support as an inpatient, day patient or outpatient for alcohol addiction.

In addition Cygnet Hospital Harrogate offers a specialised 7 day alcohol detox and 10 day therapy programme. Read more>>

Locations

We treat alcohol related problems at the following Cygnet Health hospitals: