How to Recognize If You Are an Alcoholic

Most alcoholic do not believe that they are addicted. They tend to believe that they are well in control just because they are not drunk senseless. Here are a few symptoms which can tell you whether you are normal rare social drinker or alcoholic.

Craving: You are having an uncontrollable urge to drink through the day. Though you may want to cut down on your drinking you are unable and weak willed and reach for a drink at the smallest excuse.

Loss of Control: Unable to stop drinking once you begin. You may come in for criticism by friends and family. However the alcoholic will continue to drink in spite of all criticism and social ostracism.

Withdrawal symptoms: Feeling of depression, nausea and shakiness. Your hands may be shaking uncontrollably once the craving for a drink hits you. If you are unable to have your periodic drink you may have high anxiety. You may also have feelings of guilt but nevertheless you are unable to stop your drinking.

Increased tolerance: As alcoholism takes rout you need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to get the ‘highs’. You may also badly require a drink first thing in the morning to calm your nerves or get over your hangover.

If you are suffering from any one or all of the symptoms, it best to reach for help immediately through counseling and medical treatment. Prolonged alcohol abuse can result in mental and physical disorders and untimely death.