Alcoholism at home
4-minute read
Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in Australia. If you suspect that you drink too much, or someone you live with might have a problem, then it might be helpful to know the warning signs and where to find help.
What is alcohol dependence?
If you drink a lot of alcohol, you might become dependent on it to make you feel good. Your drinking behaviour could be harmful and a form of substance abuse.
The signs of harmful alcohol use
You or someone you know might be drinking too much if they:
- have a strong urge to drink
- cannot control how much they drink
- feel physical effects like nausea, sweating, shakiness and anxiety if they stop after a period of heavy drinking
- need to drink more over time to get the same good feeling
- drink while alone, or hide alcohol from members of the household
- struggle with work, education or relationships for no obvious reason
- lie about how much they drink
- drink early in the day or are anxious about when they will be able to drink
- forget what they said or did while they were drinking
Effects of alcohol dependence
If you drink too much alcohol, you are at increased risk of illnesses such as heart disease and liver disease, cancer, diabetes and damage to the brain.
It can also have a bad effect on those around you as it is a key player in car accidents, family violence and crime.
Are you at risk?
Although it seems to make you feel good, alcohol can increase the risk of depression and anxiety and also can make these worse if they are already present.
If you are a family member or friend living with an alcoholic you are likely to feel upset, angry, anxious, guilty, stressed, disappointed and helpless at various times.
If you are a carer, carers associations in your state or territory can provide counselling and help to organise respite care. Visit the Carer Gateway website or call 1800 422 737 (Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm) for more information.
Treatment for alcohol dependence
The most important starting point for treatment is to talk to your doctor about how to control your alcohol consumption. You can search for a doctor in your region here.
Treatment options depend on the strength of alcohol dependence. For low level dependence, your doctor might discuss the problem with you and suggest changes you can make or recommend counselling.
Stronger dependence will need different treatments to manage the effects of alcohol withdrawal. The treatments might include:
- behavioural treatment to improve coping skills
- medication
- peer support through groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Smart Recovery
- spending time at a detoxification facility
Preventing harm from alcohol use
Becoming familiar with the Australian guidelines for low-risk drinking habits can help guard against harmful alcohol use. If you have children, you should talk to them about drugs, alcohol and mental health, including binge drinking.
Being a good role model can also help.
ReachOut.com has information about addiction and mental health for teenagers.
Resources and support
Contact the Alcohol Drug Information Service in your state or territory for free 24-hour counselling:
- ACT: (02) 6207 9977
- NSW: 1800 422 599 (Regional), (02) 9361 8000 (Metropolitan)
- NT: 1800 131 350
- Qld: 1800 177 833 (Regional), (07) 3837 5889 (Metropolitan)
- SA: 1300 131 340
- Tas: 1800 811 994
- Vic: 1800 888 236
- WA: 1800 198 024 (Regional), (08) 9442 5000 (Metropolitan)
Visit these websites for further information and support:
- The Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s website has information on how to deal with people with drug and/or alcohol problems.
- Family Drug Helpline supports people concerned about a loved one’s drug or alcohol use. Call 1300 660 068.
- The Right Mix has tips, tools and strategies to reduce the impact of drinking on your lifestyle.
- On Track is for people with risky levels of drinking.
- Walking a Tightrope is for families dealing with alcohol and violence.
- Alcoholics Anonymous offers help to people with a drinking problem. Call 1300 222 222.
- beyondblue offers support for people with depression and anxiety. Call 1300 22 4636.
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Last reviewed: May 2020