My struggle with alcoholism is destroying my health and my life – I don’t know how to stop

DEAR DEIDRE: SOMETIMES I drink so much I black out and can’t remember what I’ve done.

I know my addiction to alcohol is destroying my health and my life, but I don’t know how to stop.

I’m a 32-year-old single man.

I started drinking a lot as a student.

Unlike my peers, who’ve cut down, I’ve developed a real problem.

Although I don’t drink every day, once I start I can’t stop. I go on binges where I drink so much I forget where I am.

I’m not a nice drunk – I get nasty and aggressive and have consequently fallen out with my friends and most of my family.

Loneliness doesn’t help.

Now I drink to blot out how miserable and isolated I feel.

The next day, I feel even worse.

I’ve started having terrible anxiety and panic attacks too.

I have nobody to talk to about this but know, if I don’t get help soon, I’ll end up wrecking my physical and mental health.

DEIDRE SAYS: Now that you’ve recognised you have a problem, you can get the help you need.

Binge-drinking is particularly dangerous, as you’re at risk of a serious accident as well as alcohol poisoning.

My support pack, Drink Problem?, explains more about alcohol dependence and tells you where you can get professional help.

Talk to your GP.

Also, think about reaching out to family and former close friends.

Tell them you’re seeking help and would appreciate their support.