RSS Signs of Alcoholism
Whenever you are discussing the signs of alcoholism, they are usually classified into two categories, alcohol abuse or alcohol addiction and dependency. Signs of alcohol abuse include the following:
- blackouts or being unable to remember what you did while drinking
- continuing to drink even when you have health problems associated with it
- family members and friends showing concern about your drinking
- having legal problems
- having problems at school or work (absenteeism, tardiness, etc.)
- hurting another person or yourself while drinking
- taking risks such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy duty machinery
The signs of alcoholism listed above are not exclusive to result as they can also be evident when there is an alcohol addiction or dependency going on. The signs of alcohol addiction or dependency include:
- continuing to drink even after health problems have arisen or harming relationships
- experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking such as anxiety, feeling sick to your stomach, shakiness, and sweating
- giving up many of your activities so you have more drinking time
- inability to control how much you drink, cut back on your drinking, or quit altogether
- needing to drink increasingly larger amounts to achieve the same high
- spending a lot of your free time drinking and recovering repeatedly
Additionally, you may experience other signs of alcoholism, some of which are physical in nature while others are psychological. These include:
- changing what you are drinking, such as starting with beer and then changing to hard liquor or wine, because you think this will prevent getting drunk too quickly
- doing things to hide your alcoholism such as buying your alcohol at different stores
- drinking alone, drinking first thing in the morning, or being drunk for increasingly longer periods of time
- exhibiting certain signs of drinking such as gastritis (a sore or upset stomach), redness of the cheeks and nose, and weight loss
- feeling guilt or shame after a night of drinking
- hiding your drinking
- worrying about having enough alcohol for the evening or the weekend
You should also know that the signs of alcoholism in children or teens could be quite different from those of adults.
If you are noticing any of the signs of alcoholism with yourself or a loved one, you may want to consider contacting the Freedom Center to speak with one of our addiction specialists regarding these signs. We will be happy to provide you with information about our facility as well as our alcohol addiction treatment and recovery programs. Call us today at the toll-free phone number listed at the top of this page if you need further assistance.
