| Alcoholism is everywhere in our society - at social | | | | have a problem. |
| events, bars, restaurants, in broad daylight walking | | | | 10) Loss of interest in activities you once deemed fun |
| down the street, and even in the workforce. Drinking | | | | and enjoyable. |
| and even heavy drinking are such highly-tolerated | | | | In addition to the behavioral warning signs of alcoholism, |
| behaviors that recognizing the signs of a real problem | | | | you may begin to experience physical symptoms |
| can be difficult, especially when it's you who's doing the | | | | when you don't drink. These physical symptoms reflect |
| drinking. How much is too much? | | | | your body's dependence on alcohol and signify |
| You're a few years out of school, your new job is | | | | withdrawal, making it more difficult to resist the urge to |
| stressful, and it's what you used to do back in the | | | | drink. |
| college days. Or, you've been married for 25 years | | | | 1) Anxiety |
| and are going through a really rough patch, both with | | | | 2) Depression |
| your spouse, and your finances. A couple of drinks a | | | | 3) Increased Irritability |
| night help ease the stress, but you wake up with a | | | | 4) Shakiness or trembling |
| terrible headache and almost wish you could have a | | | | 5) Fatigue |
| drink before work to take the edge off...and maybe | | | | 6) Headache |
| you do. That's a warning sign there. Here are some | | | | 7) Loss of appetite |
| others: | | | | 8) Fever |
| 1) Repeated neglect of responsibilities at work or | | | | 9) In some cases, hallucinations |
| home. | | | | 10) In some cases, seizures |
| 2) Decreased performance at work, or in a student's | | | | You may not exhibit all of these signs or symptoms, |
| case - flunking classes at school. | | | | maybe even just one or two. The fact that you're |
| 3) Reliance on alcohol to cope with life's day-to-day | | | | reading this signifies you already may have a problem, |
| tasks or in uncomfortable, stressful situations. | | | | and recognizing it is half the battle. The next battle is |
| 4) Relationship problems due to your excessive | | | | getting help. With the support of friends and family, |
| drinking and neglect of responsibilities. | | | | therapy, and in some cases, medical support, you can |
| 5) Legal problems due to your drinking (arrests for | | | | successful overcome alcoholism. |
| public intoxication or drunk driving). | | | | Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment involves having |
| 6) Regular black-outs when drinking and not | | | | experienced counselors and medical professionals |
| recognizing when you've reached your limit. | | | | devise a customized treatment plan for you. Alcohol |
| 7) Increased drinking tolerance where you have to | | | | Rehabilitation Centers are virtually everywhere, so you |
| drink far more than you used to or have to resort to | | | | can find one that best suits you and your needs. There |
| drugs in addition to alcohol in order to feel the same | | | | are even alcohol rehab programs for working |
| effects. | | | | professionals. Even if you suspect you or someone |
| 8) Drinking in situations where it may be dangerous to | | | | you love has a problem, it's better to be safe than |
| you or hazardous, such as drinking while taking certain | | | | sorry. It's better to treat something that could potentially |
| medications despite a doctor's warning or drinking on | | | | become a problem and to take preventative |
| the job. | | | | measures - it will save you money, grief, anguish, and |
| 9) Concern from family and friends who think you may | | | | your health in the long run. |