Alcoholism Symptoms

Alcoholism Symptoms

Alcoholism symptoms, according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, include “continuous or periodic impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial.”

Moderate drinking, estimated to be up to two daily drinks for men and one for women, usually poses few problems.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), one drink equals one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.)

More than moderate drinking, however, can be a different story. If you find you answer yes to any of the following list of alcoholism symptoms, provided by the NIH, you should seriously consider seeking help:

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 steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?

Family members or friends may recognize alcoholism symptoms and signs before the problem drinker does. It can be difficult (sometimes impossible) to get the alcoholic to acknowledge his or her problem. This denial is a primary feature of the disease.

In addition, the person suffering from alcoholism may come up with a host of excuses explaining why he or she can’t seek help. Among them:

I don’t know who to contact.
I can’t afford the treatment, or my insurance won’t cover it.
I don’t have the time
I’m afraid of what my friends, family, and coworkers will think.
It’s inconvenient.
I’m afraid I’ll have to go to a hospital.
I should be able to handle this alone.
I’m afraid I’ll lose my job.
I can’t arrange for childcare.
I don’t think my problem is serious enough.

If you’re the friend or family member of an alcoholic who refuses to seek help, there are sources of support for you, including Al-Anon, an organization designed to help the families and friends of alcoholics.

Teens can turn to their school’s chapter of D.A.R.E. (Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education), a trusted family member, or Alateen, part of Al-Anon.

More alcoholism support organizations can be found by clicking here.

Related Information

Take this Alcoholism Quiz
Alcoholism Signs

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