FAQs about Alcohol

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What are the signs of a problem drinker or alcoholic?

Problem drinking, or alcohol abuse, is characterized by a variety of behaviors, including:
  • Frequent binge drinking
  • Drinking alone
  • Using alcohol to deal with stress, emotional problems, or social discomfort
  • Financial troubles due to alcohol use
  • Being hospitalized or arrested
  • Feeling unable to control your drinking

 

Exhibiting just one of these signs does not mean that someone is a problem drinker; however, someone who has many of these signs, or notices a pattern of these behaviors, may have a problem with alcohol.

Alcoholism is problem drinking with the added factors:

  • Preoccupation with alcohol
  • Compulsion to use alcohol
  • Tolerance (needing more and more alcohol to achieve the same effect)
  • Withdrawal symptoms (feeling physically uncomfortable if one is not drinking)

 

30-35% of adult Americans will be classified as problem drinkers at some point, and 10-15% of these will be classified as alcoholics.

What are the drinking and driving laws?

It is illegal for any person under the age of 21 to have any amount of alcohol in their body when driving.

It is illegal for any person 21 years of age or older to have a BAC of .08 or more in their body when driving.

For more information on national and local laws and university policies, please see the university alcohol policy.

Where should I go if I am concerned about my drinking?

 Contact basics@unc.edu  or call Wellness to learn more about counseling opportunities at UNC:(919) 966-3658.