What are the symptoms of alcoholism?

Psychological and social signs of excess alcohol consumption include depression, loss of friends, arrest for driving while intoxicated, excessive drinking, drinking before breakfast, frequent accidents, and unexplained work absences. Physical signs of excess alcohol consumption include alcohol odor on the breath, flushed face, tremor, and unexplained bruises.

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Alcoholism includes four symptoms, craving (a strong need, or compulsion, to drink), loss of control (the inability to limit one's drinking on any given occasion), physical dependence (withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking), and tolerance (the need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to "get high"). Other indications of alcoholism and alcohol abuse include feelings of guilt toward drinking, drinking alone or in secret, being unable to limit the amount of alcohol one drinks, blacking out or not remembering conversations or commitments, making a ritual of having drinks at various times such as before, with, or after dinner, losing interest in activities and hobbies that used to bring pleasure, and feeling a need or compulsion to drink. Other symptoms include irritability when the usual drinking time nears, especially if alcohol is not available, keeping alcohol in "hiding" places with quick accessibility (at home, at work, or in the car), gulping drinks, ordering doubles, becoming intoxicated intentionally to feel good or drinking to feel "normal," the need to drink upon arising in the morning, having legal problems or problems with relationships, employment, or finances, building a tolerance to alcohol so that an increasing amount of alcohol is needed to feel the same effects, and experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, sweating, and shaking, when no drink is available.

The alcoholic may engage in periods of abstinence from drinking. This "holiday" from drinking is often unsuccessful and the drinker may begin to drink again while attempting to exhibit some element of control over drinking behavior. Lack of control is paramount in the alcoholic who cannot control consumption. As time passes, some alcoholics develop a reverse tolerance to alcohol, which means that they require less alcohol before experiencing psychoactive effects. In this situation, even though a smaller amount of alcohol may produce feelings of intoxication, the alcoholic continues to drink in escalating amounts.

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