Alcoholism Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing Problem Drinking: Alcoholism Signs and Symptoms

The prevalence, accessibility and social acceptance of alcohol make it one of society’s most widespread and costly addictions. For the majority of people, regular social drinking doesn’t lead to imminent abuse or dependence.

Yet, there are millions of individuals around the globe who have a physical dependence or addiction to alcohol.

They continue to drink in the face of severe consequences to their careers, well-being and relationships.

What causes a person to become an alcoholic? Research suggests genetics and family history create a predisposition to the disease.


There are also factors that increase vulnerably such as the existence of an alcoholic parent, childhood conduct disorder, anti-social behavior, or a transforming life event.

Even where a person resides and the area’s cultural views on alcohol can play a role in the onset of the disease.

Alcohol abuse or dependence may not be readily apparent -- or even a concern -- to someone with a drinking problem. However, recognizing alcoholism signs and symptoms is a critical first step in fighting the disease and lessening its life-long impact on drinkers and the lives they touch.

Quick Screen Tool: CAGE Test

The CAGE test is am assessment tool to aid clinicians and others in identifying patients with alcohol problems. It is one of hundreds of tools used to screen individuals and determine treatment options.

Many of these tools are available in the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) guide, Assessing Alcohol Problems: A Guide for Clinicians and Researchers, which can be accessed online by clicking here. The CAGE test is comprised of four brief questions designed to detect alcohol abuse or dependence. Answering yes to any CAGE question suggests a possible alcohol problem. Answering yes to two or more questions indicates a high risk of alcohol abuse or dependence. Note that CAGE questions are only guidelines – not diagnostic criteria. (Click here for information on diagnostic criteria.)

CAGE Test Questions:

1. Have you ever felt the need to Cut down on alcohol consumption?

2. Are you Annoyed when people question your drinking habits?

3. Do you feel Guilty about your alcohol use?

4. Have you ever used alcohol as an Eye opener to recover from a hangover?

Alcoholism Signs and Symptoms

Alcohol Cravings: Alcohol consumption may become an over-powering need and dominate almost every thought throughout the drinker’s day.

Loss of Control: The alcoholic simply cannot control the driving compulsion to drink.

Physical Dependence: The body and brain of an alcoholic become dependent on the drug’s effect. When alcohol is absent, withdrawal symptoms emerge that may include nausea, irritability, anxiety, tremors, and even seizures.

Increasing Tolerance: Alcoholism is a progressive disease and increasing levels of alcohol are required over time to achieve the same results and pleasure from drinking.

Alcohol Abuse vs. Dependence

Those who abuse alcohol– and who have not yet become dependent or addicted – have excessive, debilitating drinking patterns that are not accompanied by the alcoholism signs and symptoms detailed above.

Alcohol abusers don't experience craving, uncontrollable drinking, physical dependence and tolerance; while, alcoholic-dependent individuals may experience many of the signs of alcohol abuse.

Alcohol abuse results in one or more of the following conditions over a twelve-month period:

• Failure to meet responsibilities at work, home or school.

• Risky, dangerous drinking, such as drinking while driving.

• Regular law enforcement conflicts related to drinking, such as driving under the influence or assault while drunk.

• Continued drinking in spite of the negative effects of alcohol on work, health and family.

Other warning signs of alcohol abuse include:

• Drinking alcohol to relax, relive stress or get to sleep.

• Drinking for socialization.

• Hiding alcoholic drinks or empty bottles and/or lying about consumption.

• Limited or no memory of events while drinking.

• Inability to stop drinking.

• Worrying that alcohol may run out over a holiday or weekend.

For more information on alcoholism signs and symptoms, including an alcoholism quiz, click here.

Sources:

American Psychological Association. (nd). Understanding alcohol use disorders and their treatment.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (revised 2001). Alcoholism: Getting the facts [NIH Publication No. 96-4153].

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (updated 2003). FAQs on alcohol abuse and alcoholism, (revised 2001). Alcoholism: Getting the facts

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