How to Recognize Alcoholism

The DSM-IV defines alcoholism as "repeated use despite recurrent adverse consequences." It also states that withdrawal, tolerance and the "uncontrollable drive to drink" go hand in hand with alcohol dependence. While alcohol abuse has been problematic for people since prehistoric times, it has become a vice for more and more people in recent times. Even though more research is conducted into alcoholism, it is not always possible to identify the problem and get help as soon as possible. Knowing the signs of alcoholism is the first step in getting you, or a loved one, the help you need.

Instructions

• 1

  Perform the CAGE screening test. This involves asking the possible alcoholic four specific questions: 1. Ask if they have ever felt like they need to cut down on their alcohol intake. 2. Ask the person if they get annoyed when others criticize them about their drinking. 3. Ask if the drinker has ever felt guilty about the amount of drinking they do.4. Ask if the person has ever needed an eye opener drink. This is when the person drinks an alcoholic beverage first thing in the morning to steady their nerves or make a hangover easier to manage.If the person answers "Yes" to at least two of these questions, there is a good chance there could be an alcohol problem.

• 2

  Perform the Short Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (SMAST). These questions are also for the drinker. The answers following each question are known as "positive" answers. If the drinker answers five or more of these questions positively, then there is a good chance there is an alcohol problem. 1. Do you (the drinker) feel you are a normal drinker? (No)2. Does someone close to you (family member, friend, lover) worry about your drinking? (Yes)3. Do you ever feel guilty about your drinking? (Yes)4. Do friends and relatives feel that you are a normal drinker? (No)5. Can you stop drinking whenever you want to? (No)6. Have you ever attended an AA meeting? (Yes)7. Has your drinking caused problems between you and a loved one? (Yes)8. Have you gotten into trouble at work because of your drinking? (Yes)9. Have you neglected obligations, work, or family for at least 2 days in a row due to drinking? (Yes)10. Have you gone to anyone for help with your drinking? (Yes)11. Have you ever been to a hospital due to your drinking? (Yes)12. Have you ever been arrested for DUI or drunk driving? (Yes)13. Have you ever been arrested, even for just a few hours, for any other drunken behavior? (Yes)

• 3

  Learn to recognize the problem. The tests in steps 1 and 2 are only accurate if the drinker honestly answers the questions. Watch to see if the person neglects important social, recreational or occupational for drinking. Also, look for an inability to quit drinking (or better control drinking) even after numerous tries.

• 4

  Watch for excessive or persistent use of alcohol. Excessive drinking means the person drinks larger amounts of liquor over a long period of time. Persistent use is obvious when the person knows they have a drinking problem or another psychological or medical problem that alcohol makes worse, yet continues to drink anyway.

• 5

  Look for tolerance and withdrawal issues. If the person needs more and more alcohol to obtain the same level of intoxication, they may have a problem. Also, look for withdrawal symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, nausea and anxiety when a person stops drinking after a bout of heavy drinking. Also, if the drinker is spending a large amount of time doing activities that make it possible for him/her to drink, drinking in general or recovering from drinking, then there could very well be a problem.

• 6

  Watch for blackouts. This should not be confused with passing out. Alcohol induced blackouts are periods of time that the drinker cannot recall, even though they were awake the entire time. The person can have full conversations, go places or any other activity, but when prompted later to recall the activity, do not remember it. This is a very tell-tale sign of alcoholism.

• 7

  Click "Tests" (see Resources below) for more diagnostic tests for you and your loved one. These tests will help to find out if there is a drinking problem or not.

• 8

  Click "Loved Ones" (see Resources below) for a test that a non-alcoholic can take to discover if their loved one really does have a drinking problem.