7 Signs That You Are an Alcoholic

Are You Drinking too much? Spotting the Signs That You Are an Alcoholic.

Alcohol is everywhere you look in the United States, and for many people, it is a major part of social functions and gatherings. When alcohol consumption becomes common and you have to drink more and more to feel the same effects though, addiction isn't usually far behind.

Spotting the signs that you are an alcoholic isn't always easy though, especially when friends and family members around you are drinking as well. Many people also try to ignore the fact that they have a drinking problem, fooling themselves into thinking they can quit anytime they want. There are some signs that you may have an alcohol problem that can help you determine if you need help with your drinking though.

7 signs that you are an alcoholic include:

1. You can't control how much you drink at any given time. Many alcoholics find it hard to stop drinking once they begin.
2. You have tried to quit drinking but you are unable to do so.
3. You drink in situations that are risky. Alcoholics often drive, go to work and spend time with children that need care when they have been drinking or are intoxicated.
4. You feel uncomfortable in social settings without alcohol. Many alcoholics begin to avoid situations and events where alcohol is not present or drinking is not the main activity.
5. You blackout or do not remember what happened after drinking. This is common as people begin to use more alcohol to experience the same effects.
6. You hide your drink from friends, family members and loved ones.
7. You continue to drink even if you have health, legal or mental health issues because of your drinking.

Physical Signs of Alcoholism

Alcoholism can have serious side effects for people who abuse it on a regular basis. Long-term alcoholism can also present major health challenges for drinkers.

Common physical signs of alcoholism include:

• You have to drink much more than you used to in order to feel the effects of alcohol.
• You drink much more than the people around you.
• You feel sick when you go more than 12 to 24 hours without drinking.
• Your hands shake when you do not drink. Many alcoholics experience this symptom on a regular basis until they drink again.
• You have stomach issues that lead to illness on a regular basis.

Are You a High-Functioning Alcoholic?

Many people believe that alcoholism leads to a person's life falling apart before their eyes, leaving job, home and family responsibilities by the wayside. The fact is that many people appear to be functional from the outside even if they are alcoholics. These people are referred to as functional alcoholics or high-functioning alcoholics.

Functional alcoholic symptoms include:

• You drink more than three to four drinks or 14 drinks per week.
• You drink in the morning or when you are alone.
• You have legal problems related to alcohol.
• You avoid certain responsibilities that you would otherwise take care of at home, work or in your family life.
• You get drunk when you do not intend to do so.
• Friends, family members or co-workers have expressed concern about your drinking.

If you recognize these signs in someone you know, don't be afraid to find out how to help them (or yourself). There is no shame in someone getting help for a disease beyond their control.