How do you know when your drinking or a friend’s drinking has crossed the line? Do you know that alcohol dependency, or alcoholism is a mental illness? Here is a quick guide to understanding alcohol dependency. Be aware of the early signs that there is a problem. Help yourself, help a friend!
Moderate Drinkers Typically:
- Drink slowly, no fast gulping
- Know when to stop drinking, they don’t drink to get drunk
- Eat before or while drinking
- Never drive after drinking
- Respect nondrinkers
- Know and obey the laws related to drinking
Problem Drinkers Typically:
- Frequently drink to get drunk
- Try to “solve” problems by drinking
- Experience personality changes while drinking- may become loud, angry, violent or silent, reclusive and remote
- Drink when they should not- before driving, going to work or class
- Cause other problems- harm themselves, family, friends, and strangers
- Can lead to alcohol dependency
Alcohol Dependent Drinkers Typically:
- Spend a lot of time thinking or planning their next drink
- Keep bottles hidden for “pick me ups”
- Start drinking without conscious planning and lose awareness of the amount consumed
- Deny drinking
- Often drink alone
- Feel the need to drink before facing stressful situations
- May have “blackouts” where they do not remember what happened while drinking
- Cannot quit drinking or control how much you drink.
- Need to drink more to get the same effect.
- Have withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. These include feeling sick to your stomach, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety.
- Spend a lot of time drinking and recovering from drinking, or you have given up other activities so you can drink.
- Have tried to quit drinking or to cut back the amount you drink but haven’t been able to.
- Continue to drink even though it harms your relationships and causes physical problems.
Now that we know the difference between moderate, problematic, or dependency drinking let’s look where you, a friend, or family member can receive help and support. Don’t feel alone!
Set up an appointment with a Counselor right here on campus!
Cal State University San Marcos Health and Counseling Services
Al-Anon/Alateen (for support as a family member or friend of an alcoholic)
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
24/7 Hotline, English and Spanish: (800) 729-6686
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
24/7 referrals: (800) 622-2255
Aware Awake Alive (learn the signs of alcohol poisoning, save lives)
If you are a student at CSUSM we encourage you to come out to our Alcohol Awareness Screenings on April 10th @ U-Hour, Kellogg Plaza. These screenings are with the counseling staff on campus and will help you to understand your drinking habits and possible interventions.
Be Aware and Remember the signs of Alcohol Poisoning:
CSUSM is partnering up with Aware, Awake and Alive to promote awareness of the signs for alcohol poisoning and to urge students to make that life saving phone call when you encounter someone with alcohol poisoning. Learn the signs, save a life!
Watch “Carson’s Story” to learn more about how you can make a difference with one call.