For many people, celebrating the holiday season often includes drinking alcohol. While this can be fun and festive when done in moderation, the holidays abound with social gatherings that provide the opportunity drink too much. In addition, holiday stress due to family issues, economic hardships, hosting obligations, and even the weather can provide the motivation to drink to excess. Drinking too much at a gathering can cause you embarrassment and may further increase feelings of stress or depression.

So if you or a loved one drinks too much at a party, does that mean there is a problem? Not necessarily. Answering the following four questions provided by the National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse can help you find out if you or a loved one has a drinking problem:

• Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
• Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
• Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
• Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?

If you or a loved one answers “yes” to one of these questions, it suggests that there may be an alcohol problem. If you or a loved one answers “yes” to more than question it is very likely that an alcohol problem exists. If you think that you or someone you know might have an alcohol problem, it is important to see a doctor or other health care provider right away. They can help you determine if a drinking problem exists and plan the best course of action.

For more information on what to do if you or someone you know has a drinking problem, see the NIAAA website. To connect with other people and share experiences dealing with alcohol problems, visit the Healia Health Community for Alcohol.

Source: NIAAA, FAQs for the General Public, Updated 2/07. http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/FAQs/General-English/default.htm#problem


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