Alcoholism Symptoms

There are many alcoholism symptoms. Many of these alcoholism signs are very apparent to the alcoholic and to others around them while others are more subtle. However, many alcoholics are so adept at hiding their problem that the alcoholism symptoms may not be apparent until in the later stages of the disease. In addition, an alcoholic may recognize the alcoholism symptoms, but deny they have a problem. Even so, knowing the alcoholism symptoms is a way to determine if someone is an alcoholic or is on the course to becoming one.

What are Alcoholism Symptoms?

You may read through this list of alcoholism symptoms and either think, that is me (or my loved one) or you may say I don’t have all those symptoms so I am not an alcoholic. One of the effects of alcoholism is denial.  Most addicts and alcoholics will find loopholes to prove that they don’t have a problem, like not having all the alcoholism symptoms that are listed. You don’t have to possess all the alcoholism symptoms to have a problem with alcohol. For instance, someone may be a chronic alcoholic yet they have never had trouble with the law or issues at work. That does not make them any less an alcoholic. They still exhibit a variety of alcoholism symptoms and they are on the path to destruction.

Alcoholism Symptoms

• Feeling a strong desire to drink. This is more than just drinking casually at a party or having wine with dinner. This desire is actually more of a compulsion or an intense craving that will not go away until satisfied.  One definition of alcoholism is ‘an addiction to the consumption of alcohol’. The strong desire to drink is a manifestation of that addiction.
• The inability to limit your drinking. This  and the one above are two alcoholism symptoms that can go hand in hand. When you have such a strong desire to drink and you continue to drink because you cannot stop. This is part of the addiction and compulsion to drink that comes with alcoholism.
• Hiding how much you drink, drinking in secret or drinking alone.  Do you hide in the garage or some other place to get a quick drink? Do you drink before social events to ‘warm up’? When a loved one or friend asks if you have been drinking do you deny it? All of these things show that subconsciously you know that you have a problem with alcohol, even though you aren’t ready to admit it publicly.
• Stashing alcohol around the house and in your car. Many alcoholics are afraid they might run out of alcohol so they have an emergency supply stashed in various places. They may even put the alcohol in different containers to hide it. Things such as soda bottles, flasks, and even washed out antifreeze containers – which can be very dangerous by the way.
• Needing more alcohol to feel the effects. As a person becomes more and more dependent on alcohol, their body builds up a tolerance to the substance, as a result it takes more to feel the same effects.
• Problems with the law, work, or family.  These are common alcoholism symptoms although a person may not have trouble in all three areas. As alcohol takes a more prominent role in the alcoholic’s life, other things begin to suffer. They may have problems at work such as habitual tardiness, failure to show up, poor job performance, etc. There may be legal problems from driving while intoxicated or creating disturbances while drinking. Problems with family and other relationships is probably one of the most common problems that an alcoholic will have. The alcoholic tends to be very selfish, this is a trait found in most addicts. As a result family relationships suffer and loved ones find themselves unable to be around the alcoholic for long periods of time.
• Lack of interest in things that used to bring pleasure. Do you have unfinished projects around the house? Do you stay home and drink rather than participate in recreational activities you love? Hobbies and other things that the person used to love are all but forgotten. This can be very frustrating to families as family outings, household chores, and general home repair are left half done or ignored completely because the alcoholic just doesn’t care anymore.
• Blackouts, not remembering what you did or said. One of the more tragic alcoholism symptoms is not remembering anything you did or said while you were under the influence. This symptom is quite dangerous because people have been known to drive in this state and cause harm to others.
• Withdrawal symptoms. If an alcoholic tries to stop drinking abruptly they will more than likely suffer intense withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, sleeplessness, nausea, and in extreme cases life threatening alcoholism symptoms and even death. This is why it is best to stop drinking under the direction of a doctor or a rehab program.

Alcoholism symptoms are a way to determine if you or a loved one has a problem with alcohol. But you need to remember that all alcoholics will exhibit all these alcoholism symptoms. However, if several of these alcoholism symptoms are present then you are probably an alcoholic. Alcoholism is a disease that can be treated. If you have any of these alcoholism symptoms or you are concerned about your alcohol consumption, please consult a doctor or alcohol treatment center. It will be the best decision of your life because you will be able to reclaim the life you once had. You can overcome once you recognize alcoholism symptoms and get help.