Who is a problem drinker? Certainly not everybody who drinks heavily needs to be admitted to a residential treatment program. Very simply, we understand a problem drinker to be somebody who drinks more than his or body can handle.

The problem drinker may experience a few consequences from drinking such as minor health issues or problems at work but is not yet a full-blown alcoholic. The problem drinker may not see drinking as a problem and may blame it on the various struggles of life, for example they may say something like "I drink because my wife left me". Although the problem drinker may not yet be an alcoholic he/she is greatly at risk of developing this illness. Early treatment in a detox clinic followed by an alcohol treatment program may help the problem drinker avoid becoming alcoholic at all.

There are two patterns of alcohol consumption: steady low quantities consistently and episodes of binge drinking large quantities. Both can lead to problems and alcoholism. The steady drinker will drink small quantities of alcohol throughout the day "just to get through". She may never become completely drunk but requires a certain level of alcohol in her bloodstream to function. The binge drinker may not drink everyday and might only drink on weekends or once every few months. But when the binge drinker starts drinking he doesn't stop and continues drinking far beyond what society would consider normal.

Both patterns of drinking can be destructive and pose health risks. Binge drinking can lead to damage to the nervous system and brain, steady drinking increases the risk of a host of other conditions. Both forms of drinking can lead to alcoholism.

It is normally easier to successfully treat an alcoholic in the early stages of the illness before the drinking behaviours become too deeply entrenched. Seeking a proper medically supervised detoxification center (detox clinic) is usually the first step to "drying out". There are several such detox clinics in South Africa that offer a high standard of nursing care and quality accommodation at internationally competitive prices. After completing this phase the alcoholic would be referred to an alcohol treatment center (rehab) for a program. You can find out about some of the sorts of treatment programs in South Africa by clicking here.

You should consult with your doctor if you suspect that you are an alcoholic. Only a proper face-to-face assessment will help you to decide. The following questions are not designed to replace a visit with a medical doctor, but may help you in deciding to go see a specialist. This is a list of 20 Questions from Alcoholics Anonymous:

1. Is drinking making your home life unhappy?
2. Does your drinking make you careless of your family’s welfare?
3. Do you drink because you are shy with other people?
4. Is drinking affecting your reputation?
5. Do you drink to escape from worries or trouble?
6. Do you drink alone?
7. Have you lost time from work due to drinking?
8. Has your ambition decreased since drinking?
9. Has your efficiency decreased since drinking?
10. Is drinking jeopardising your job or business?
11. Have you ever felt remorse after drinking?
12. Are you in financial difficulties as a result of drinking?
13. Do you turn to or seek an inferior environment when drinking?
14. Do you crave a drink at a definite time daily?
15. Does drinking cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
16. Do you want a drink the next morning?
17. Do you drink to build up your self-confidence?
18. Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking?
19. Has your doctor ever treated you for drinking?
20. Have you ever been in hospital or prison because of drinking?

This list covers most of the areas that are affected by alcholism. If you feel that your drinking has become intolerable then it is best to seek expert medical help. Ask your doctor for advice in finding a detox clinic and alcohol treatment program .