Tell-Tale Signs You're Heading Towards Alcoholism

Many people with alcohol use disorder don't recognize they have a problem so, they hesitate to get treatment. I know it may not be easy to spot when your drinking has crossed from moderate social use to


problem drinking. That's why it’s important to be aware of the warning signs and take appropriate measures to cut back if you recognize them.

Experts have however made a distinction between alcohol abuse and alcoholism. They say alcohol abusers still have the ability to set limits on their drinking. But whatever the case, abusing alcohol is a big risk factor for alcoholism.

These are some signs to let you know you or a loved one is tending towards alcoholism and needs to get help.

• Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
• Continuing to drink alcohol even though you know it's causing physical, social or interpersonal problems.
• Drinking as a way to relax or ease stress.
• Using alcohol in physically dangerous situations such as operating machinery or driving.

You know you or a loved one is an alcoholic when you see these signs.

• You are physically dependent on alcohol. This means that you rely on alcohol to function and always feel a great urge to drink.
• You have to drink more and more alcohol to feel the same effects a smaller amount of alcohol gave you. This is called tolerance.
• When you try to quit drinking, you experience symptoms like anxiety, sweating, nausea and vomiting, trembling, hallucinations, fever, headaches, insomnia and seizures and you need to drink alcohol to relieve these symptoms.                                 These symptoms are called withdrawal symptoms.

Because denial is common, you may not feel like you have a problem with drinking. You might not recognize how much you drink or how many problems in your life are related to alcohol use. Listen to relatives, friends or co-workers when they ask you to examine your drinking habits or to seek help.