A score below 25 suggests that you probably do not have a major problem with alcohol.

A score of 25 - 32 indicates possible Alcoholism.
See article below for more information.

A score of 33 or above is highly suggestive of alcoholism. The higher the score the worse your addiction is.
Read the following article for help and information.

Alcohol - Definition:

A chronic illness marked by uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages that interferes with physical or mental health, and social, family, or occupational responsibilities.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Alcoholism is a type of drug dependence. There is both physical and psychological dependence with this addiction. Physical dependence reveals itself in withdrawal symptoms when alcohol intake is interrupted, tolerance to the effects of alcohol, and evidence of alcohol-associated illnesses. Alcohol affects the central nervous system as a depressant resulting in a decrease of activity, anxiety, tension, and inhibitions. Even a low level of alcohol within the body slows reactions. Concentration and judgment become impaired. In excessive amounts, intoxication, or poisoning results.

Alcohol also affects other body systems. Irritation of the gastrointestinal tract can occur with erosion of the lining of the stomach causing nausea & vomiting. Vitamins are not absorbed properly, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies with the long-term use of alcohol. Liver disease, called hepatic cirrhosis, may also develop. The cardiovascular system may be affected by cardiomyopathy. Sexual dysfunction can also occur, causing erectile dysfunction in men and cessation of menses in women. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause problems in the developing fetus known as fetal alcohol syndrome.

The development of dependence upon alcohol may occur over 5 to 25 years, following a relatively consistent pattern of progression. At first, a tolerance of alcohol develops. This results in a person being able to consume a greater quantity of alcohol before its adverse effects are noticed. Memory lapses relating to drinking episodes may follow tolerance. Then a lack of control over drinking occurs, and the affected person can no longer discontinue drinking whenever desired. The most severe drinking behavior includes prolonged binges of drinking with associated mental or physical complications. Some people are able to gain control over their dependence in earlier phases before a total lack of control occurs.

There is no definite cause of alcoholism; however, several factors may play a role in its development. In families with an alcoholic parent, an offspring is more likely to become an alcoholic than a person without an alcoholic parent. The reason for this occurrence is not known, but genetic or biochemical abnormalities may be present. Psychological factors may include a need for relief of anxiety, unresolved conflict within relationships, or low self-esteem. Social factors include availability of alcohol, social acceptance of the use of alcohol, peer pressure, and stressful lifestyles.

Incidence of alcohol dependence is increasing. Statistics vary, but approximately 7% of adults in the US are affected.

Prevention:

Until the primary causes of alcoholism are understood, the disease cannot be prevented. However, educational programs about alcohol directed at children, teen-agers, and their parents, as well as appropriate attitudes towards alcohol use within the home, may help to prevent its abuse.

Symptoms:

1. tolerance to the effects of alcohol
2. need for daily or frequent use of alcohol for adequate function
3. lack of control over drinking, with inability to discontinue or reduce alcohol
4. intake
5. solitary drinking
6. making excuses to drink
7. episodes of memory loss associated with drinking (black outs)
8. episodes of violence associated with drinking
9. interference with social and family relationships or occupational responsibilities
10. behavioral problems such as missing work
11. unexplained mood swings
12. secretive behavior to hide alcohol related behavior
13. hostility when confronted about drinking
14. neglect of food intake
15. neglect of physical appearance
16. nausea
17. vomiting
18. shaking in the morning
19. abdominal pain
20. cramps
21. numbness and tingling
22. redness and enlarged capillaries in the face (especially the nose)
23. confusion

    Note: Symptoms may vary.

24. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may vary from mild to severe:
25. tremors to uncontrollable body shaking
26. restlessness to agitation
27. insomnia to total wakefulness
28. loss of appetite to rejection of all food
29. nausea
30. vomiting
31. confusion
32. hallucinations
33. rapid heart rate
34. sweating
35. convulsions
36. Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
37. tongue problems
38. eyelid drooping
39. dizziness

Signs and tests:

There is a history of chronic and excessive alcohol use. A history may be obtained from family if the affected person is unwilling or unable to answer questions. A physical examination is performed to identify physical problems related to alcohol use.

Treatment:

Treatment for the person with alcohol dependence begins with the recognition of the problem. Alcoholism is associated with denial, allowing the person to believe there is no need for treatment. Most people with alcohol dependence enter treatment under pressure from others rather than voluntarily accepting the need for treatment. Penetration of the defense mechanisms that have allowed the person with alcohol dependence to continue drinking is difficult, and involves confrontation by the family or people close to the affected person who are aware of the problem. The person should be confronted when sober, not while drinking or recovering from a drinking episode. Once the problem has been recognized, total abstinence from alcohol is the only effective treatment. Supportive programs are available to offer detoxification, rehabilitation, and aftercare or follow-up. Because alcoholism creates victims of people associated closely with the alcoholic, treatment for family members through counseling is often necessary.

Detoxification is the first phase of treatment. Alcohol is withdrawn under a controlled, supervised setting. Tranquilizers and sedatives are often prescribed to control alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification usually takes 4 to 7 days. Examination for other medical problems is necessary. Liver disease and blood clotting problems are common. A balanced diet with vitamin supplements are important. Complications associated with the acute withdrawal of alcohol may occur, such as DT's. Depression or other underlying mood disorders should be treated. Often, alcohol abuse develops from efforts to self-treat an illness.

Alcohol recovery or rehabilitation programs support the affected person after detoxification to maintain abstinence from alcohol. Counseling, psychological support, nursing, and medical care are usually available within these programs. Education about the disease of alcoholism and its affects is part of the therapy. Many of the professional staff involved in rehabilitation centers are recovered alcoholics who serve as role models.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a self-help group of recovering alcoholics that offers emotional support and an effective model of abstinence for people recovering from alcohol dependence. There are more than 1 million members worldwide, and local chapters are found in small towns and large cities throughout the US.

Al-Anon is a support group for spouses and others who are affected by someone else's alcoholism. Alateen provides support for teenage children of alcoholics.

Expectations (prognosis)

Alcoholism is a major social, economic, and public health problem. Alcohol is involved in more than half of all accidental deaths and almost half of all traffic fatalities. A high percentage of suicides involve the use of alcohol in combination with other substances. Additional deaths are related to the long-term medical complications associated with the disease. Only 15% of those with alcohol dependence seek treatment for this disease. Treatment programs have varying success rates, but many people with alcohol dependency have a full recovery.

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