Secret drinkers

Almost 2 in 5 people who drink above recommended limits of alcohol lie to doctors about their excesses according to a survey. 

According to a BBC source, in poll of 2000 people, men were more likely to downplay their drinking habits than women. 

Those who drank sensibly tended to be honest, where as 39% of those risking their health with drink, lied.

This doesn't surprise me. I remember a psychiatrist giving us medical students advice on questioning patient's drinking habits. 

He said you should always casually overestimate how much they drink, for example with, "how much do you drink a night? 40 beers?" 

The reply could be anything from shock, to an honest, "Oh no not that much, probably 30".

Tell tale signs

When I was 17 years old and thinking about applying for medical school, I had a work experience placement at a GP surgery. I saw a lady perhaps in her 60s, who was suffering from early signs of dementia. She was becoming forgetful and was unable to complete a test which involved filling in the numbers of a clock face. 

When the doctor asked about her alcohol intake, the patient said she enjoyed a couple of beers a night. The doctor was quick to assume that it was a great deal more than that. Her forgetfulness was likely to be a case of alcohol dementia.

It is not unusual for someone to feel ashamed about over drinking when it becomes a problem. It might often be the case that patients don't want to admit to themselves that they have a problem. Sometimes the units just creep up without the person even realising.

It is a shame because there is often help (such as alcoholics anonymous) out there, but by the time they've admitted their problem, their physical health has irreversibly deteriorated. 

It is always hoped social support will reach them before medical care is needed.