The Security Benevolent Helpline
The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals

Alcohol

Advice and information for security professionals

Alcoholic drinks have been prepared and drunk for thousands of years, and the problems caused by excessive alcohol intake have been around for just as long.

Medical advice is that men should drink no more than three to four units of alcohol a day and women no more than two to three.

One unit is equal to:

  • About half a pint (300ml) of ordinary strength lager, beer or cider
  • A 25ml measure of spirit, or a small glass of fortified wine, such as sherry or port.
  • A small glass (125ml) of 8% ABV wine.

It is not safe to save up units through the week and 'binge drink' at the weekend. Drinking a large amount at any one time is very risky.

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?

Causes

The causes of alcoholism are not fully known. The ready availability of alcohol is an important factor. Some occupations, such as bar staff, doctors and members of the armed forces are more at risk than others.

Some people use alcohol to ease depression or give them relief from insomnia. Unfortunately, alcohol itself is a depressant, so the problem is only compounded.

There may be a modest genetic component and a history of family drink problems may make alcoholism more likely. However, it’s hard to be sure that this is not because of learned behaviour.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Increasing intolerance to alcohol.
  • An awareness of a compulsion to drink.
  • Relationship breakdown.
  • Withdrawal symptoms such as shaking hands, agitation, sweating, and nausea.
  • Poor work performance and taking sick days for hangovers.
  • Gradual neglect of other activities.
  • Tests of liver function and of the blood often reveal abnormalities in dependent drinkers.

Complications

These fall under three main headings –

Physical disabilities include liver damage and death from liver failure, inflammation of the pancreas or stomach, anaemia, heart disease, stroke, sexual problems and foetal abnormalities. There may also be neurological damage, especially to the nerves that supply the lower limbs.

Psychological complications include depression, anxiety (worsened with withdrawal from alcohol) and, more rarely hallucinations. Bouts of heavy drinking may lead to memory impairment. Dementia may sometimes develop after prolonged drinking.

Social disabilities include problems in relationships, employment problems, and often, violent and anti-social behaviour. Alcohol is implicated in a large proportion of fatal road accidents.

Stopping Drinking/Treatment

  • The First Step. Realise and accept that there is a problem.
  • Commit to Quitting. Once a decision is taken to quit plans can be made to ensue success.
  • Seek Advice. This is available from GP’s and may also involve a community team or specialist care, maybe admission to a treatment unit or psychiatric hospital.
  • Gradual reduction in drinking will help to avoid withdrawal symptoms. A chronic drinker may be prescribed medication, such as diazepam, for a short time after stopping drinking.
  • Other drug treatments can be used although they may cause unpleasant side effects when even a small amount of alcohol is consumed. Some reduce the craving for alcohol
  • Treatment may be required for the physical complications of alcoholism.
  • Get Support. Contact Alcoholics Anonymous or another advice agency, they will provide the support and tools you need to quit. Also ask for help and support from friends and family.

Further help and advice

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcohol Concern

AlAnon/Alateen - help for family and friends of alcoholics

24 Hour Confidential Helpline for members of the security profession only

If you would like to talk, in confidence, to one of our counsellors please phone 0800 316 0201.