If this question is on your mind, know that you are not alone. More and more women are questioning their relationship with alcohol.

It is important to know that ANYBODY can become addicted to alcohol as the substance itself is addictive. The DSM-5 has replaced the terms Alcohol Abuse Disorders and Alcohol Dependence with Alcohol Use Disorder .

Alcohol Use Disorder is defined as follows:  : problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as evidenced by at least 2 of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:

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Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or for a longer period than intended.

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Much time is spent in activities necessary to obtain and use alcohol or recover from its effects.

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Craving, strong desire or need to consume alcohol.

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Recurrent use of alcohol results in a breach of major obligations at work, school or home.

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Continuation of alcohol use despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol.

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Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use.

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Recurrent use of alcohol in situations where it is physically dangerous.

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Continued alcohol use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurring physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol.

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Tolerance, as defined by one of the following:

     - A need for significantly larger amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired effect.

     - A noticeably diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol.

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Withdrawal, as manifested by any of the following:

    - The characteristic alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

    - Alcohol (or a closely related substance, such as a benzodiazepine medicine such as       

       Xanax is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

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Severity

Mild disorder: Presence of 2 or 3 of these symptoms.

Moderate disorder: 4 or 5 symptoms.

Severe disorder: 6 or more symptoms.

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If you want to explore and transform your relationship with alcohol join one of our dating sites and start your journey to freedom!

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Source: DSM-5, 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association in 2013.

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* If you think you need help, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.