Drinking Problems
It is estimated that around 1 in every 20 people in the 16 to 64 age group are affected by alcohol dependency. Alcohol dependency can lead to many problems both physical and emotional.
They include liver cirrhosis, cardiomyopathy (weakening of the heart), neuropathy (nerve damage), Korsakoff's psychosis (memory loss), depression, gastritis, acute pancreatitus, gout, cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), impotency and accidents caused whilst drunk. Sadly around 40% of domestic violence and one in seven deaths on the road are alcohol related.
In addition to the physical and emotional damage excessive drinking also causes problems with relationships, work absenteeism and the law (drink driving, violence, antisocial behaviour etc).
In recent years binge drinking has become a rapidly growing problem and those who participate often feel they do not have a drink problem as some days of the week they may not drink at all. However, binge drinking can be ever bit as damaging and in some cases more so - do not underestimate its severity.
Young and old, male or female are affected and those who have a drink problem rarely seek help themselves. It is often family or friends who identify that help is needed and often take steps to get them help.
If you are concerned that you or a friend or relative has a drink problem you may wish to consider the CAGE questionnaire which is an accepted guide to if the person concerned has a problem.
The CAGE Questionnaire:
C: Have you ever felt you should Cut down
on your drinking?
A: Have people Annoyed you by criticising
your drinking?
G: Have you ever felt Guilty about
you drinking?
E: Eye-opener , Have you ever had a drink first thing
in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hang-over?
A score of 2 or more yes answers suggests you have an alcohol-related problem.
Our Clinical Director has worked for some years in the area of addiction (alcohol and drugs) and was responsible for successfully introducing the use of Clinical Hypnosis into the existing addiction protocol at a drug and alcohol centre he worked at in the Nineties. He combined Cognitive Reconstruction (a form of addiction therapy) with Clinical Hypnosis) which became a highly popular and effective treatment which is now used at other centres.
For more information or to arrange a free telephone consultation please email Christopher.
