Cooper realised alcohol was interfering with his career and said in interviews that if he continued drinking it was going to sabotage his whole life. There are myriad reasons for quitting alcohol, from reaching fitness and weight loss goals to overcoming a dependence.
Mental Health Organisation, Reach Out says addiction happens when someone compulsively engages in behaviour such as drug taking, gambling, drinking or gaming. Even when bad side effects kick in and people feel like they’re losing control, addicts usually can’t stop doing the thing they’re addicted to without help and support.
Alcohol addiction is a complex problem that can be hard to notice, particularly in Australia and New Zealand where it’s socially acceptable to drink a lot. Recent data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed one in six (16.1%) persons aged 18 years and over consumed more than the recommendation of no more than two standard drinks per day on average. If you drink too much alcohol you are at increased risk of illnesses such as depression, anxiety, heart disease, liver disease, cancer, diabetes and damage to the brain. It can also have a bad effect on those around you as it is a key player in violence and accidents.
Some of the signs of alcohol dependence include:
- Worrying about when you’ll be able to have your next drink
- Increased quantity or frequency of use
- Dependence on alcohol to function in everyday life
- Sweating, nausea or insomnia when you don’t drink
- Needing to drink more and more alcohol to get drunk
- Drinking at inappropriate times, such as first thing in the morning
- Consuming alcohol regularly on your own, or trying to hide your drinking
- Fighting with friends and family about your drinking or going out.
Treating alcohol addiction can be complex and challenging. In order for treatment to work, the person with an alcohol addiction must want to get sober.
For more information about alcoholism or to help a loved one find options for help, it may be best to talk to a doctor.
