What are Signs of Alcohol Abuse?

It is quite difficult to determine if a person has a drinking problem. The only way to determine this is to look for signs of alcohol abuse.

For individuals who are wondering if they have a drinking problem or is on the path towards developing alcohol dependence, you should be totally honest with yourself. You can simply just ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I have difficulties sticking to one drink?
• Am I starting to feel ashamed or guilty after I drink?
• Do I lie to others when they inquire about my drinking?
• Are my friends and family worried about me having a drinking problem?
• Do I forget things whenever I drink?
• Do I find myself drinking more than usual and at any time of the day?

If you answer yes to these questions, then it is time to admit you are abusing alcohol. Keep in mind that this problem is still a long way from alcoholism. But you should still consider it as a serious threat to you and the people around you.

A person abusing alcohol will do the following:

• Neglect responsibilities at work, home or school because of drinking.
• Use alcohol even during dangerous situations like driving or operating machineries
• Take medication with alcohol even if it is against what the doctor ordered
• Get arrested for drunk driving or disorderly conduct as a result of intoxication
• Continue drinking even if it is starting to cause relationship problems

It is important for you or your friend to seek help after confirming alcohol abuse. It is the only way to avoid becoming a full-blown alcoholic. If the alcohol abuse is a result of recent stressful event such as a divorce, unemployment or death, it can easily be identified and explained. However, there are a lot of cases when the person does not notice the alcohol abuse because of increased alcohol tolerance especially those who binge drink.

Denying you have a problem will prevent you from seeking the proper help you need and an alcohol treatment program  can be needed. Individuals who abuse alcohol often rationalize their drinking problem just to avoid getting help or even addressing the issue. But you have to know that the more you deny, the worse the drinking would get and you might soon find yourself in the midst of much alcohol abuse-related problem. For a time, you might stop drinking but the craving will make you drink again. It would be a vicious cycle and you would not want you or your family to go through such cycle repeatedly before you finally seek help.

^{References:
http://helpguide.org/mental/alcohol_abuse_alcoholism_signs_effects_treatment.htm
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/alcohol-abuse/alcohol-abuse-and-dependence-symptoms}