Chapter One: Are You Physically Addicted to Alcohol?

You have now reached the end of this chapter and should be able to answer the question:

'ARE YOU PHYSICALLY ADDICTED TO ALCOHOL?'

If you are, then you must plan for alcohol detoxification at some point in the future. Alcohol detoxification is NOT a cure for alcoholism in itself - it is a way of getting from drinking to NOT drinking safely and effectively. It is highly unlikely that you will achieve this safely without a detoxification. Once you have ascertained the need for a detoxification, there is more work to do. This work is mainly about 'how to stay off' rather than how to 'get off'. Some of the following chapters address this in more detail.

If you are NOT physically addicted to alcohol, then from a 'medical perspective' you do not need a detoxification to stop alcohol use. By this, I mean that you would be unlikely to cause yourself physical damage by ceasing alcohol use suddenly. However, you may choose to use detoxification as a way to stop alcohol use comfortably and effectively, especially if you have tried but failed to cut down your drinking.

If you have any questions about how this chapter applies to you, or simply want professional advice on a one-to-one basis, then I advise you to contact the DryOutNow.com Immediate Response Service. All advice is free, totally confidential, and is provided by an expert in the field of alcoholism.

Their telephone number is: 0845 003 8274.

Alternatively, you can email: freeadvice1@dryoutnow.com

Next page .. Chapter Two: Should you drink less or stop completely?

How To Enjoy Life Without Alcohol index

The above information is copyright of Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych (2006). ISBN 0-9545164-0-0. The author grants permission for these guidelines to be downloaded, copied and distributed freely, but does not grant permission for their sale.