Warning Signs of Alcoholism                                            

Many people often wonder if they have a drinking problem, or if they have alcoholic tendencies.  While these signs are not always completely accurate, they give a strong indication of a drinking problem.  Below are  warning signs of alcoholism:

Drinking alone?  While drinking in moderation with friends might not indicate a problem, drinking alone easily constitutes one of the ten warning signs of alcohol addiction.  Drinking away from a social setting usually implies a need for alcohol.

 Do you lie about the amount of alcohol you consume? Intentionally underestimating the amount of alcohol consumed illustrates an awareness of a problem, and a fear that people will judge for your drinking. 

 Has your toleration to alcohol increased?  Increased toleration is one of the ten warning signs of alcoholism and can often be one of the most confusing and subtle.  If you need more alcohol to become inebriated, it is likely you are establishing a dependency.

Do you drink much more than your friends?  Do you often want to drink longer and stay at the bar longer than your friends?

 Do you drink first thing in the morning to alleviate a hangover?  This is one of the most serious signs of alcoholism, because it implies an almost constant need for alcohol.

 Do you consume more alcohol than you used to?

  Do you blackout while you drink?  This is not necessarily a sign of alcoholism, but it is a sign of alcohol abuse.  Frequent blackouts depict an inability to stop drinking.

 Do you often drink after work to calm your nerves? Using alcohol as a stress reliever can be dangerous because it breeds addiction.  Using alcohol instead of solving life problems can also be extremely dangerous.  It can prompt problems at work, relationships, and even legal problems.

 Do you suffer from alcohol related accidents or legal problems?  Car accidents, DUI’s, slip and falls, and fist fights are common behaviors of people with drinking problems.

 Is alcohol affecting relationships with loved ones?  Do people who care about you criticize your drinking? Do they tell you to stop or cut down?  This is the strongest sign of alcoholism, because these are the people that know you best.  Although, on occasion, this can be deceiving because love ones can often enable drinking problems, instead of trying to stop them.