Alcoholism

The term 'alcoholism' refers to the condition where a person cannot stop drinking alcohol without experiencing intense discomfort.

Alcoholics are physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol, and this is manifested by a number of symptoms, including:

• inability to resist the urge to drink alcohol,
• growing anxiety and tension before drinking (withdrawal symptoms),
• difficulty in controlling the amount of alcohol consumed,
• a feeling of relief while drinking.

Assess your alcohol consumption and your dependence on alcohol

There are several tests that can be used to help you find out more about your relationship with alcohol.

• The CAGE test can be an 'eye-opener' with regard to your drinking habits.
• The AUDIT test—developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO)—allows you to assess your dependence on alcohol, based on your drinking habits over the past 12 months.
• The self-assessment of your alcohol consumption allows you to take stock of your drinking habits over a one-week period.
• The FACE questionnaire (Fast Alcohol Consumption Evaluation) assesses alcohol consumption over the past 12 months.