Before treatment or recovery, most people with alcoholism deny that they
have a drinking problem. Other indications
of alcoholism and alcohol abuse
include: Drinking alone or in secret, Being unable to limit the amount of
alcohol you drink, Not remembering conversations or commitments, sometimes
referred to as "blacking out", Making a ritual of having drinks
before, with or after dinner and becoming annoyed when this ritual is disturbed
or questioned, Losing interest in activities and hobbies that used to bring
pleasure, Feeling a need or compulsion to drink, Irritability when your usual
drinking time nears, especially if alcohol isn''t available, Keeping alcohol in
unlikely places at home, at work or in the car, Gulping drinks, ordering
doubles, becoming intoxicated intentionally to feel good or drinking to feel
"normal", Having legal problems or problems with relationships,
employment or finances, Building a tolerance to alcohol so that you need an
increasing number of drinks to feel alcohol''s effects, Experiencing physical
withdrawal
symptoms — such as nausea, sweating and shaking — if you don''t drink,
People who abuse alcohol may experience many of the same signs and symptoms as
people who are dependent on alcohol. However, alcohol abusers don''t feel the
same compulsion to drink and usually don''t experience physical withdrawal
symptoms when they don''t drink. A dependence on alcohol also creates a
tolerance to alcohol and the inability to control your drinking. If you''ve ever
wondered if your own alcohol consumption crosses the line of abuse or
dependence, ask yourself these questions: Do you need a drink as soon as you
get up? Do you feel guilty about your drinking? Do you think you need to cut
back on your alcohol consumption? Are you annoyed when other people comment on
or criticize your drinking habits? If you answered yes to two or more
questions, it''s likely that you have a
problem with alcohol. Even one yes
answer may indicate a problem.