| If you have ever had to stop and ask yourself if you | | | | ones having an uncontrollable urge to drink this should |
| have a drinking problem, then you probably do. If | | | | wave a red flag. Alcoholism has been defined as |
| anyone else has every told you drink too much, then | | | | having a strong dependency on alcohol and a strong |
| chances are you do. | | | | urge to drink. If you notice someone who can not get |
| There are many tools available right at your fingertips | | | | the thought of alcohol out of their mind, this could be a |
| to yell you if you have been drinking too much. All over | | | | good indication of something serious. |
| the internet are alcohol self awareness test which will | | | | Alcoholics also tend to loss control when they start |
| help give you a good indicator of if your drinking is a | | | | drinking. If you find that once you start drinking, you can |
| problem. Other things that you can look at are if you | | | | not stop it or see a loved one who behaves in the |
| constantly crave alcohol and feel like you can not | | | | same fashion, get help. Also notice if you or someone |
| make it through the day without having a drink. Do you | | | | you suspect might be an alcoholic suffer from |
| feel physically sick if you had not had a drink in some | | | | withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms happen |
| time? | | | | once you stop drinking. They happen when you decide |
| Other symptoms you can look at when it comes to | | | | to quit drinking and when you stop drinking due to sleep |
| your drinking are if you ever felt the need to cut down | | | | or because you are unable to drink at that time. These |
| on your drinking? Do you get angry when other people | | | | symptoms include the shakes, irritability, and sweating. |
| bring up your drinking? If the answer to both of these | | | | You might find that having a drink is the only way to |
| is yes, then you might want to contact your doctor for | | | | "cure" these withdrawal symptoms. |
| help. | | | | Lastly look at the amount of alcohol being consume. If |
| Now what should we look for in other people who we | | | | you find yourself needing to drink more alcohol to |
| might suspect have a drinking problem. For some we | | | | achieve the same effect you are use to, talk to |
| might be able to pick up on the signs before it | | | | someone right away. If you notice a friend or family |
| becomes a problem. Noticing someone drinking more | | | | member needing to drink more than they use to, |
| heavily then they have before might clue you into a | | | | chances are they might be losing control of their |
| problem in the making. Other signs of alcoholism and | | | | drinking. |
| alcohol abuse are lack of interest in activities that might | | | | If you are an alcoholic the choice to stop drinking is |
| have once brought your loved ones interest, and | | | | yours. If you are educated on the signs and symptoms |
| centering recreational activities around drinking, or | | | | of alcoholism, you might stand a good chance at |
| having uncharacteristically reckless behavior. | | | | getting yourself help. If you know someone who |
| You also want to look for the four symptoms that the | | | | displays any of these signs, talk to them or to |
| NIAAA (National Institute of Alcohol abuse and | | | | someone who can help you get the message through |
| alcoholism)has stated indicates that alcohol addiction is | | | | to them. Even though they may think you are trying to |
| apparent. | | | | hurt them, you are probably saving their life. |
| The first is craving. If you notice yourself or your loved | | | | |