How to Tell If You Drink Too Much Alcohol

How can you tell when someone is drinking too much alcohol? The answer is not as straightforward as one might assume. You can't put an amount or frequency on how much a person should drink because everyone processes alcohol differently. Many factors go into how a person responds to alcohol consumption including age, weight, tolerance levels as well as other factors. However, there are several signs that indicate a person is drinking too much.

Instructions

1. Recognize the Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse. Several signs to be aware of include:
   --An individual recurrently using alcohol in situations that are hazardous like driving or watching their children
   --Continued use of alcohol despite negative consequences like legal charges related to drinking or getting fired because of substance use
   --Interference in the fulfillment of personal obligations like missing work due to hangovers or failing to pick up your kids because of a drinking binge.

2. Recognize the Symptoms of Alcohol Dependence. When alcohol abuse continues to progress there are several key factors to watch for to know if a person has become alcohol dependent. These factors include:
   --The need to drink more alcohol to achieve the desired feeling or effect-tolerance
   --Symptoms of withdrawal--marked evidence of physical symptoms when an individual goes without alcohol, which can include shaking, headaches, vomiting and other symptoms
   --Increased focus on getting and drinking alcohol
   --Giving up obligations in order to drink or because of the effects of drinking.

3. Listen to those around you. If you are drinking too much the people around you will usually let you know. Most people who struggle with alcoholism can identify people in their lives who have voiced concerns about the drinking. It may be a spouse, parent, child, coworker or friend who points out the concern. Listen to what they are saying and be honest about what you hear.

4. Seek help. If you are drinking too much, you may be unable to stop on you own. Seek out a substance abuse counselor, join Alcoholics Anonymous or enter a treatment program to address your addiction. It can be difficult to stop drinking on your own and you may need help to stop. There are resources available to help you find local treatment programs. Utilize them and find help.

Resources

• AAMFT