Drinking is a socially acceptable outlet for adults. A glass of wine with dinner, toasting a celebration or unwinding after a long day often involves alcohol. When determining whether alcohol is a problem, it is important to understand how much is too much. HelpGuide.org reports that women who indulge in more than seven drinks or men who consume more than 14 drinks weekly are overdoing it.
Tolerance to Alcohol
Among the first signs of alcoholism is a person's tolerance to alcohol. As the body becomes accustomed to habitual drinking, an addicted individual needs more alcohol to experience the same effects.
Inability to Stop Drinking
Addicted people may have relationship problems, financial difficulties, problems at work and with their health that stem from overindulging in alcohol. Because alcoholism is a chronic disease that leads to dependence on alcohol, these people feel powerless to control when, how much or how long they drink, regardless of the negative outcome, according to MayoClinic.com.
Dangerous Activities
Alcoholics often make poor choices while intoxicated, using alcohol in situations where it is risky or dangerous. HelpGuide.org reports that an addicted person may drink and drive, operate machinery while drunk or use alcohol with prescription medications, against a doctor's advice.
Drinking in Secret
When a person is dependent upon alcohol, he often stashes his supply in obscure places. MayoClinic.com reports that an alcoholic may keep alcohol at work, in his car and in unlikely places.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms are a sign of the body's dependence on alcohol. An addicted individual often needs alcohol to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, anxiousness, headaches, tremors and sweating. Drinking to relieve or avoid such symptoms indicates alcoholism.
