Psychiatry

Warning Signs - Alcoholism

Alcoholism - a disease characterized by the chronic consumption of alcoholic beverages despite negative social and physical consequences

If you or someone you know are experiencing these symptoms or warning signs seek medical attention:

•	Drinking alone or in secret
•	Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink
•	Not remembering conversations or commitments, sometimes referred to as "blacking out"
•	Making a ritual of having drinks before, with or after dinner and becoming annoyed when this ritual is disturbed or questioned
•	Losing interest in activities and hobbies that used to bring pleasure
•	Feeling a need or compulsion to drink
•	Irritability when your usual drinking time nears, especially if alcohol isn't available
•	Keeping alcohol in unlikely places at home, at work or in the car
•	Gulping drinks, ordering doubles, becoming intoxicated intentionally to feel good or drinking to feel "normal"
•	Having legal problems or problems with relationships, employment or finances
•	Building a tolerance to alcohol so that you need an increasing number of drinks to feel alcohol's effects
•	Experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms — such as nausea, sweating and shaking — if you don't drink

	Source: Mayo Clinic.com