Signs of Alcoholism

If you think alcoholism may be a concern for you or someone you love, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD), outlines several key signs and symptoms to look for.
Increased Tolerance: This means that you have to drink more than you used to in order to feel the same effect, or that you drink more than others without showing signs of intoxication.
Experiencing Withdrawal: Drinking to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms (trembling, sweating, nausea, vomiting, headaches, irritability, depression, fatigue, etc.) is a sign of alcoholism and addiction.
Loss of Control: According to the NCADD, drinking more than you wanted to, for longer than you intended, or despite telling yourself that you would not drink, are signs that you may have alcoholism.
Desire to Stop, But Can’t:  If you have a persistent desire to cut down or stop using alcohol, but are unsuccessful, you may have alcoholism.
Neglecting Other Activities: When alcohol interferes with activities that used to be important to you, and causes you to spend less time doing them, it is a sign of alcoholism.
Alcohol Takes Up Greater Time, Energy and Focus: If you have few, if any, interests or involvements that do not revolve around the use of alcohol, or if you spend a lot of time drinking, thinking about drinking, or recovering from the effects of drinking, you may have alcoholism.
Continued Use Despite Negative Consequences: If your drinking is interfering with your job, relationships, or health, yet you continue to drink, it may indicate alcoholism.
Source: NCADD.org