More than a Nightcap

How can you tell if you or a loved one is having a problem with alcohol? You may want to talk with your doctor if you or your loved one:

Are drinking too much. That is, if you or your loved one:

  • Have more than three drinks per day (1 drink = 1 can/bottle of beer, 1 glass of wine, or 1 shot of hard liquor)
  • Lose interest in food or prefer drinking alcohol to eating meals
  • Find that it takes more and more alcohol to become "drunk"

Find that alcohol affects your mood. That is, if you or your loved one:

  • Drink alcohol to calm or soothe your nerves, forget your troubles, or cheer up
  • Become irritable, resentful, or unreasonable when NOT drinking alcohol

Find that alcohol affects your relationships with others. That is, if you or your loved one:

  • Hide or lie about drinking habits
  • Have medical, family, or financial problems as a result of drinking alcohol

Last, if alcohol is interfering with your safety or the safety of your loved ones, seek help. Warning signs include:

  • Drinking alcohol alone
  • Neglecting one's home, self, or pets
  • Driving a car after drinking alcohol, especially after an arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol.

If one or more of the above statements sounds familiar, seek help by talking to your doctor or asking your local health department or social service agency for suggestions.

Support groups and 12-step programs can also help people who are dealing with alcohol abuse. Such programs include:

Reviewed by Dr. Maria Llorente, Geriatric Psychiatrist

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