Alcoholism Signs & Symptoms

Do I Need Help?

While everyone's experience is different, and the below list is by no means all-inclusive, here are some warning signs of encroaching alcohol addiction, possibly leading to alcoholism.

One's initial thoughts might be just a vague curiousity about whether one might have a drinking problem, or there could already be more direct evidence that one's drinking is out of control.

Either way, here are some alcoholism signs to watch out for.

Warning Signs of Alcoholism

• Drinking more heavily when under pressure, or after an arguement or disappointment
• Waking up, and not being able to remember part of the evening before
• Sneaking extra drinks when at a social gathering
• Feeling uneasy when in a situation that alcohol is not available
• Feeling guilty or worried about your drinking
• Continuing to drink after others have stopped
• Trying to control your drinking by switching brands
• Avoiding other people in favor of spending time drinking
• Problems at work arising from drinking or hangovers
• Having a drink in the morning in order to get over a hangover
• Feeling chronically irritable or depressed
• In general, as the saying goes, "You know you have a drinking problem when your drinking causes problems". These problems may be on the job, in interpersonal relationships, or emotional.

Drinking Problem? What to Do...

If the above alcoholism signs and symptoms of problem drinking cause interest in further exploring possible alcohol addiction, one course of action might be to discuss one's personal situation with a doctor, minister, counselor, or other helping professional that is knowledgeable and experienced in this area. Also, most locales offer nearby meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous groups. Such meetings provide excellent materials as well as contacts with others in similar circumstances. For links to meeting locations and schedules visit our AA Meetings page.