Expert Answer – How do I know if my mother has become addicted to alcohol?

– How do I know if my mother has become addicted to alcohol?

Twice a month, a doctor from the University Hospitals of Geneva deals with a medical question concerning issues related to health and the family.

Dr Thierry Favrod-Coune, Assistant Physician in the Primary Care Medicine Department, HUG

Posted today at 2:46 p.m.

In our society, the consumption of alcohol tends to be trivialized. Having a drink is considered a source of pleasure. Some people, however, fail to regulate their consumption and drink to excess. In Europe, it is estimated that 15 to 20% of the population drink too much and that 5% have alcoholism. More than three quarters of these people are not treated by a doctor.

Alcohol addiction is an insidious problem. It takes place little by little and can go unnoticed for a long time. According to the World Health Organization, alcohol consumption becomes excessive beyond two drinks a day for a man and one drink for a woman, or if the person fails to abstain from drinking at least two days a week.

These people are more at risk of developing cancer, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cirrhosis or even mental disorders. They are often unaware of their excess and can quickly switch to alcoholism, especially in the event of job loss or bereavement. It is therefore important to help them before addiction sets in.

Six symptoms

It is considered that a person is alcoholic when he presents at least three of the following six symptoms: he feels a compulsive urge to drink and regularly increases the doses ingested. She experiences withdrawal if she does not drink, and continues drinking even if she has an illness or despite the negative effects she feels. She often loses control of her drinking and begins to cut down on her usual activities in favor of drinking.

If you think your mother drinks too much or has become addicted, we advise you to first talk to her about it in a kind and non-judgmental way. Then, if possible, to get him to consult a doctor, for example with the HUG Addictions Service.

“In Europe, it is estimated that 15 to 20% of the population drinks
too much and that 5% have alcoholism.”

D^r Thierry Favrod-Coune, Assistant Physician at the Primary Care Department of Geneva University Hospitals (HUG)

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