Alcohol
Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol is addictive when drunk frequently or to excess. People become dependent on alcohol when they experience a compulsion to take it on a continuous or episodic basis.
The prevalence of dependence upon alcohol is around 1% of the UK population, but three to four times that number drink excessively. Figures for alcohol dependence are consistently higher among men than women.
The CAGE questionnaire is a useful screen that can indicate possible dependence:
- Have you ever felt you should CUT down on your drinking?
- Do people ANNOY you by criticising your drinking?
- Have you ever felt GUILTY about your drinking?
- Have you ever needed an EYE OPENER first thing in the morning?