Alcohol is everywhere in today's society. It is used as a means of solace when life throws its curve balls, and it's used to celebrate during the joyous times life bestows. However, it can be addictive, and, when consumed in excess, it has the power to wreak havoc in a person's life. Treatment is available for those addicted; however, the symptoms must first be recognized and the addiction admitted to.
Drinking Alone
Choosing to drink alone is an addict's way of keeping his problem with alcohol a secret from both family and friends. To do this may require a supply be kept in places he frequents, such as his home, his car or his work place.
Tolerance
HelpGuide states that an increased tolerance is the first indication of an alcohol addiction. Tolerance is the body's way of telling her that she needs more alcohol to obtain the same effect or "buzz" that she used to obtain from two or three drinks. Over time, as she continues to give into her tolerance, she will continue to drink more.
Inability to Stop
Another sign of alcoholism, the alcoholic may have a desire to stop drinking after five drinks, but forge on ahead due to the intense cravings his body feels because of his addiction. It is these cravings that make it nearly impossible for him to stop.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms are another major sign of alcohol abuse and begin to occur whenever the alcoholic does not have her drink of choice nearby. These symptoms can make her irritable, cause her to shake uncontrollably or become depressed. She may suffer from nausea or vomiting, feel tired or begin sweating profusely. These withdrawal symptoms will not cease until she has a drink--in fact, in many cases, she will drink to make them subside.
Legal Problems
Legal problems are a common sign of alcoholism and are caused by a variety of situations. If the alcoholic becomes belligerent one evening, he may start a fight in public and be arrested for disorderly conduct. Many times he will feel he is capable of driving, no matter how drunk he may be. This can lead to a DWI or DUI.
Physical Appearance
Once alcohol becomes the cornerstone of an addict's life, everything else falls to the wayside, including her appearance. She may begin losing weight due to lack of proper nutrition. Her clothes may be wrinkled and appear disheveled, and she may have an odor as showering is not on her list of priorities. After a while, she will begin to smell like alcohol more often than not--it will be embedded in his clothes and on her breath.
