By Bill Urell
Alcohol addiction is certainly different from having an occasional drink or being a social drinker.
People who come to have difficulties with alcohol addiction generally follow a progressive path.
What may start as an occasional drink now and then can progress to drinking greater quantities and more frequently. One of the warning signs of alcohol abuse is that problems start occurring that are related to drinking. Here are some signs and symptoms that alcohol use may may getting progressively worse.
1. These days, do you find that it takes more alcohol to feel good than it did in the past? If you are getting to the point where you can ‘drink anyone under the table’, it is not a bragging point. It indicates you are developing a tolerance for alcohol, and that is a danger sign.
2. Do you start focusing on keeping a constant alcohol supply handy? Does the idea of not being able to get a drink easily start to occupy your thoughts more than it has in the past?
3. Do you ever drink or use more than you intended to? Have you set a limit for yourself and then not been able to keep it? This may be not drinking until the weekend, or only having one drink after work. The loss of the ability to control alcohol use is a symptom of alcohol abuse.
4. Do you have blackouts or periods where you can not remember what has happened or conversations? This is a sign you have had too much to drink and abused liquor. Frequent blackouts is a sign of addiction.
5. Do you find yourself reaching for alcohol as a solution when you feel emotionally upset, need to calm yourself, or feel anxiety of any kind? This can indicate an increasing emotional dependency on alcohol.
6. Have you ever been drunk or high at work, school, special occasions, etc. to the point where you could not fulfill your obligations? Has your drinking become so important your life is grinding to a halt?
7. Have you ever driven while drunk or high, or done any other activity which would have placed you or others in harms way? That is certainly alcohol abuse.
If you or someone you love has a drinking problem, there are a variety of alcohol abuse treatment options available. Look for an accredited and licensed alcohol abuse treatment center that has on-site detox services, 24/7 medical staff and a relapse prevention program.
Here are some more great blog posts concerning symptoms of alcohol dependency. I really liked the one by sue Sceff on kids.
Sue Scheff: Drugs, Alcohol and Kids – Adolescence is a bumpy ride, and some of these warning signs may only be the normal symptoms of growing up, but parents have to be alert to the possibility that, with their particular child, they may indicate trouble. …
Alcoholism Physical Symptoms – When we discuss alcoholism physical symptoms, we have to understand that symptoms begin in different individuals at different stages depending on the body’s sensitivity to alcohol. Some are affected rather early while others are …
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I certainly believe this. When my husband and I first got married, his son drank some, but I never saw him drunk. And he often came around and didn’t drink much or anything at all. Then his uncle got out of prison and he is an alcoholic. He and Alan began to drink together and Alan drank more and more. He was arrested for driving under the influence earlier this year. He definitely has a problem. He arrives at family functions drunk and can’t go anywhere without a beer now. It is so sad. He doesnt’ believe that he has a problem, but he really does.
I have known a person who is really addicted to alcohol, that even when he is already drank he still wants a spare beside him. Early morning he starts drinking again as if he never tasted it the night before. And the cycle goes on and on until one day he felt something, hospitalized and that’s the end of his life. Everything must be taken in moderation. Something really used in excess can lead to danger.
Alcohol addiction was one of those things I feared when I used to drink. My friends and I would party on the weekends and during the weekdays, I’d be at home drinking on my own. Just to make sure I was in control, I’d usually take a month off from drinking just to see who was the boss. I haven’t had a drink in 21 years. I’m glad I never had to deal with the addiction (I have other problems) but can feel for those who do.
My father had an alcohol addiction. I remember as a kid that I never saw him without a beer in his hand. The crazy part, is that I can only remember once or twice that he actually got drunk. I never understood how he could drink beer from morning until night and not get drunk. But I think that is a big sign of alcohol addiction too.
According to this, I do have a slight alcohol problem. I never have it affect my work or my daily life but reading all the signs are definitely a bit scary. Abstinence from alcohol is starting to sound better and better. I just hope I have the will power to do it.
over the last 2-3 weeks i have been drinking from wen i wake up till i fall asleep and i cant sleep far long, maybe 3-5 hours tops, im so scared that im going 2 die, i get uncontrolably shaky, this means i just dive far the drink, i also get horrible lower back pain and tingling legs, my girlfriends left me and im scared stiff that im going any day now!! im 21
broady, go to the emergency room or talk to your doctor a.s.a.p.
Do not stop cold turkey, as you could have a seizure. They will probably put you on something as you come off alcohol.
There is always help out there. Reach out for help!
After reading above I tell I am addicted. I have lots of black out where I can remember How I arrived home, conversation I had and I am scared I will kill someone and not remember the following day. I sweat at night after drinking, this takes until wedneday to clear. Can’t sleep for more than 4 hours, If a do I have nightmares. I am trying to limit but its not easy. I am addicted 100%.
This is some really good information for people that want to know Signs for alcohol addiction, it tells you alot of good points and signs here, and would most proberly be helpful to some people reading it, good stuff.