Symptoms and Signs of Alcohol Abuse

People who struggle with alcohol abuse and dependency can look below at the two lists to identify where they are in the addiction process.

Determining Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol tolerance: Over a period of time, the need to consume larger and larger quantities of alcohol is needed.
Withdrawal symptoms: Physical symptoms of withdrawal begin immediately when alcohol is denied to the body.
Intentions: Regardless of what a person intends to do, the need to drink overtakes personal resolve.
Importance of drinking rituals: Rituals around drinking are developed and if not followed causes anger.
Memory loss and blacking out are signs of dependency.
Time: More time is spent acquiring and drinking alcohol than any other area of one’s life.
Diminishment of daily activities: The more a person consumes alcohol, the greater the chances that he or she will withdrawal from everyday activities.
Isolation and secretive behavior: Drinking alone is not unusual as hiding alcohol from others becomes necessary.
Criminal behavior: Legal problems related to drinking alcohol increase.
Consuming large amounts of alcohol becomes necessary to feel “good.”

Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction

Effects of Alcoholism: