Signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence
- You can't control your drinking;
- When you don't drink, you feel anxious, nauseous and start sweating.
- You crave alcohol;
- You get annoyed when people criticise you about your drinking;
- You regularly drink more than you planned;
- You need alcohol to steady your nerves;
- You feel bad or guilty about drinking.
Consequences of excessive drinking
Alcohol affects your behaviour, judgment, coordination, concentration and emotions. If you drink compulsively, you might:
- Have an accident;
- Become a victim of crime;
- Strain your relationship with your family, friends or colleagues;
- Lose your job;
- Get involved in anti-social or criminal behaviour;
- Develop chronic diseases;
- Contract sexually transmitted diseases; and
- Have long-term health damaging effects.
To learn more, you may download our educational brochure.
