| Alcoholism is a devastating disease that effects | | | | - being intoxicated often |
| millions of people every year. Recognizing alcoholism in | | | | - moody |
| yourself or someone else can be difficult. Alcoholism is | | | | - drinking related health problems |
| defined as a disease that allows a persons use of | | | | These are some of the noticeable warning signs. More |
| alcohol to interfere with their life and the basic | | | | serious behaviors can also serve as a wake-up call. |
| functioning of their daily tasks, needs and | | | | Risky behavior like drinking and driving should be taken |
| responsibilities. | | | | seriously. |
| The clinical way of looking at alcohol is by examining | | | | Alcohol when taken in moderation is a nice way to |
| the amount of alcohol a person consumes. A women | | | | relax or enjoy a social engagement, where when |
| who drinks more than seven drink per week or more | | | | alcohol becomes a problem it can effect everyone |
| than three drinks a day and a man who drinks more | | | | who is close to the alcoholic. Some things that can tell |
| than 14 drinks per week or four drinks in a day would | | | | a person they may be having a problem with alcohol |
| be considered an alcoholic. A drink is defined as 12 | | | | are: |
| ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80 | | | | - worry over not having alcohol or money to buy it |
| proof liquor. | | | | - hiding alcohol so others do not know you have it |
| Warning signs of alcoholism may vary form person to | | | | - often wishing to be drunk or get drunk faster |
| person. Usually though these warning signs will be | | | | - unable to stop drinking once started |
| obvious. The following list outlines some of these signs. | | | | - hearing others comment on your drinking |
| - misses a lot of work or school | | | | Alcoholism should always be taken seriously. If you or |
| - losses interest in family, friends or activities | | | | someone you know has a drinking problem |
| - depression | | | | professional help is available in every community. |
| - drinking to cope with any problem | | | | Recognizing the problem is the first step to finding a |
| - insomnia | | | | solution. |