Alcoholism is a chronic disease in which the body and brain develop a physical dependence on alcohol. Many people abuse or overuse alcohol but are not considered to be alcoholics as they do not show signs of dependence when alcohol is removed from their lives. Individuals who abuse alcohol are, however, more likely to develop alcoholism. Understanding the early signs of alcoholism is an important step in treating this condition.
Tolerance
The need for increasing amounts of alcohol to achieve an effect from drinking is an early sign of alcoholism. According to HelpGuide.org, a wellness resource supported by Rotary International, increased tolerance to alcohol is the first major warning sign of alcoholism. Over time, the body processes alcohol more efficiently and it takes more alcohol to feel the intoxicating effects of alcohol. Early-stage alcoholics may realize that they need several more drinks to feel an effect of alcohol compared to when they first started their drinking habits.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal is the first sign that the body has a dependence on alcohol. MayoClinic.com explains that alcohol withdrawal occurs when alcohol is used in a persistent manner and is then suddenly stopped. Symptoms of withdrawal include anxiousness and jumpiness, shaking, sweating, vomiting, fatigue, insomnia and depression. In rare cases, withdrawal can be serious or dangerous and include symptoms of fever, hallucinations and seizures.
Denial
Denial of problems with alcohol is another common initial step in the development of alcoholism. Alcoholism-Support.org, an extensive non-profit resource dedicated to alcoholism education, explains that denial can be an alcoholic's worst enemy in the progression of alcoholism as a disease. Individuals in denial of alcohol problems may underestimate how much they are actually drinking. When confronted by friends or family about drinking problems, those in denial will complain that too big a deal is being made about their drinking. Many times people in denial will blame their drinking or drinking-related problems on others.
Drinking Without Control
Early-stage alcoholics may have a limited ability to control how much they drink. As alcoholism progresses from simple alcohol abuse to alcoholism, alcoholic individuals may isolate themselves to drink alone. Such individuals also try to maintain a constant supply of alcohol and may hide alcohol in strange places to make sure that they always have access to alcohol. In the later stages of alcoholism, such individuals will lose interest in their friends and family. Late-stage alcoholics may also develop a number of financial, legal and personal problems rooted in their disease.
