When to See the Doctor

Any health care provider can help diagnose alcoholism or drug abuse. Alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking that results in one or more of the following situations within a 12-month period:

• Inability to perform major work, school or home responsibilities
• Drinking in dangerous situations, like while driving a car or operating machinery
• Having recurrent legal problems that are related to alcohol, such as for driving under the influence of alcohol or for physically hurting someone while drunk
• Continuing to drink even though you are having relationship problems that become worse because of drinking
• Taking risks (gambling, unprotected sex, fighting) that are connected to drinking

If you've had severe withdrawal symptoms before or you have other health problems such as infections, heart disease, lung disease or a history of seizures, see a doctor. Even if your withdrawal isn't that bad, check in with your doctor. Also, if you quit using other drugs such as tobacco and cocaine at the same time you stop drinking, you might have severe withdrawal problems.

In the Encyclopedia:

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.