Drinking is socially-acceptable in many societies; therefore it may be hard for someone to recognize that they or a loved one is affected by alcoholism. Knowing the signs and identifying there is a problem is the first step to overcoming an alcohol problem. If drinking has caused a problem, then there is a drinking problem. If it has affected someone socially, during work, or their family, drinking is a problem that needs to be addressed.
More than Moderate Drinking
Moderate drinking is described as more than one drink a day for women and more than two drinks per day for men. If one is engaged in more than moderate drinking consistently and it has caused a problem in their life, then there more than likely is an alcohol problem.
Neglecting Responsibilities
One with an alcohol problem may find it difficult to attend to their responsibilities at work, home and in other relationships. Due to alcohol use, they might neglect their responsibilities. They might frequently forget to do things they are supposed to do. They may not finish assignments, neglect the loved ones in their life or not attend to things that are important.
Dangerous Drinking
Someone who has an alcohol problem may engage in dangerous drinking behaviors. For example, they may drive drunk. They may also drink so much alcohol that it might impair their judgment. In addition, they may be using prescription medications with alcohol which may not be safe.
Tolerance and Withdrawal
Someone with an alcohol problem may be able to drink more alcohol than others without getting drunk. This indicates a high tolerance for alcohol. When they have not had alcohol in their system for some time, they may report shakes, anxiety, sweating, depression or fatigue. This may indicate withdrawal from alcohol. Because of these symptoms, the individual affected may feel the physical need to have more alcohol in their system.
Dependence
Helpguide.org reports that someone who is dependent on alcohol may feel that they need it and keep drinking, despite their attempts not to drink. They may have given up activities because of alcohol. They may spend time thinking about it and recovering from the effects of drinking. In addition, they may continue drinking, despite knowing it is causing a problem in their life.
Denial
Some persons that are alcoholics may deny that they are having a problem. They may underestimate the amount that they are drinking. They may not realize or minimize the after effects and consequences of their behavior. In addition, family and friends may be getting blamed for the problems, or they may project the reasons for their problems or problem drinking on others.
