Drinking alcohol is part of our society and culture. Whether you have just got engaged and open a bottle of champagne, or a night out on the town at the bars when you have just passed your exams, drinking is positively encouraged across all walks of life.

Drinking in moderation is seen as great way to party and have a good time and relax and unwind over a nice meal. But because it is so normal in society, it can sometimes be difficult to spot if you have a problem with alcohol dependence.

Alcohol dependence can lead to many problems, physical problems such as liver failure and Korsakoff syndrome (find out more about this here https://www.arbdcare.co.uk/what-is-korsakoff-syndrome/ ) to financial problems and relationship problems.

It may surprise you that most regular drinkers are dependent on alcohol, but to varying degrees. For example, a more mild dependency would be someone who cannot imagine having an alcohol free Friday night and uses it to unwind after a hard week at work, on the other end of the scale are those who are completely consumed by their continuous need to drink, and put it above everything else.

There are a few signs that can suggest that you may need to seek help for alcohol dependency. These can be:

Worrying about where your next drink is coming from and planning activities where you will have access to alcohol

Waking up in the morning and feeling the need to drink

Having physical withdrawal signs such as nausea or trembling if you have not had a drink