How to Recognize the Signs of Alcoholism

Alcoholism is an addiction to alcohol beyond the drinker's control. It is often characterized as a disease that can be treated, but has no cure. Nearly 14 million people in the United States are alcoholics. Recognizing the signs of affliction can help lead the alcoholic to treatment options before it is too late.

Instructions

1. Ask the person if they remember certain events from a recent occasion when they were drinking. If they seem to have little or no memory of doing or saying certain things, then this may be a sign of blackouts-a common occurrence with alcoholism.

2. Start a conversation with the person about their drinking. Becoming angry or overly-defensive towards these kinds of inquiries is a common sign of alcoholic behavior.

3. Notice the person's demeanor at events or times of day when they would normally be drinking, but there is no alcohol around. If they seem nervous, edgy, or irritated, this is another sign of alcoholism.

4. Keep track of how often the person becomes drunk whenever alcohol is available. Ordering "doubles" of drinks, gulping, or becoming quickly intoxicated are all indicators of alcoholic tendencies.

5. Ask the person about how their favorite pastimes or hobbies are progressing. Losing interest in things that used to bring pleasure is another sign of a drinking problem.

6. Make a point to find out about the person's work life. If they have been tardy or absent from work frequently, it may be due to hangovers. If the quality of their work is declining, it may also be due to increased alcohol consumption.

Tips & Warnings

• Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are time-tested, free support networks for alcoholics struggling to get and stay sober.

• Talk to an alcoholic about their drinking problem only when they're sober. If the person is under the influence of alcohol during such a conversation, they may be more prone to argument, or they may not remember the conversation at all when sober.