Signs of Alcoholism

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcoholism (or alcohol dependence) is a chronic disease with four primary symptoms:

• Craving (a strong desire to drink)
• Loss of control (the inability to limit the number of drinks)
• Physical dependence (withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, shaking, and nausea, once drinking has stopped)
• Tolerance (a need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to feel an effect).

Other Signs of a Drinking Problem

The very fact you think drinking may be a problem is one indication. Doctors have also come up with some key symptoms of a drinking problem. Although symptoms can vary in degree, their presence may indicate that help is needed.

• Do you desire to cut down on your alcohol use and can’t?
• Do you spend a great deal of time either thinking about alcohol or making sure you have enough?
• Do you suffer frequent blackouts where you can’t remember anything that happened when you were drinking?
• Do you keep drinking even if you are losing jobs, friends, or family relationships?
• Do you sneak drinks?
• Do you suffer chronic hangovers?

The CAGE Test for Alcoholism

The CAGE Test asks only four questions to diagnose problem drinking. A "yes" to even one question suggests that you have a problem.

• Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
• Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
• Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
• Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to clear your head or get rid of a hangover?

AA Meetings

Some people will attend an open Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. These meetings are open to anyone, while closed meetings are only for those who admit to being an alcoholic. Listening to other people tell their stories may help in deciding whether you have a problem.

AA recommends that you try some controlled drinking if you are not sure you have a problem. See if you can limit yourself to just two drinks per day. If you can’t, this is one of the classic signs of alcoholism.

Doctor's Diagnosis

If you believe you have a problem with alcohol abuse, the next step is to make an appointment with your doctor. Be honest about your drinking. Your doctor will be familiar with the help that is available in your area. He/she can set up appointments, find rehab accommodations, or provide whatever other services you need.

If you get your doctor's diagnosis, it may be enough to make you quit hiding from what you are afraid of. Once you recognize the signs of alcoholism, you will soon be on your way to recovery.

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