Alcoholism

See all Pictures & Images

Alcoholism Symptoms & Signs

Men who consume 15 or more drinks a week, women who consume 12 or more drinks a week, or anyone who consumes 5 or more drinks per occasion at least once a week is at risk for developing alcoholism. (One drink is defined as a 12-ounce bottle of beer; a 5-ounce glass of wine; or a 1 1/2-ounce shot of liquor).

The following questions are used by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to screen for alcohol abuse/dependence:

• Have you felt that you should cut down on your drinking?
• Do you ever drive when drinking?
• Is someone in your family concerned about your drinking?
• Have you ever had any blackouts after drinking?
• Have you ever been absent from work or lost a job because of drinking?
• Do you have to drink more than before to achieve intoxication or the desired effect (to screen for tolerance)?

Some of the symptoms associated with alcoholism include

• solitary drinking
• making excuses to drink
• need for daily or frequent use of alcohol for adequate function
• lack of control over drinking, with inability to discontinue or reduce alcohol intake
• episodes of violence associated with drinking
• secretive behavior to hide alcohol related behavior
• hostility when confronted about drinking
• neglect of food intake
• neglect of physical appearance
• nausea and vomiting
• shaking in the morning
• abdominal pain
• numbness and tingling
• confusion

Note: Symptoms may vary.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may vary from mild to severe:

• rapid heart rate and sweating
• restlessness or agitation
• loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
• confusion or hallucinations
• tremors and seizures