What are the Warning Signs of Alcoholism?

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends limits of up to two alcoholic drinks per day for men and one for women, and describes one drink as equal to one 12 oz. bottle of beer, one 5 oz. glass of wine and 1.5 oz. of 80-proof spirits. Regular alcoholic consumption that exceeds safe limits, or alcohol abuse, may lead to alcohol dependency and alcohol addiction, with subsequent detrimental effects upon a person's health, work life and relationships. Alcoholics may fail to recognize, or choose to ignore, characteristic warning signs of their alcohol addiction.

Increased Tolerance Levels

• An important early warning sign of alcoholism is increased tolerance to the physical effects of alcohol. Alcoholics find that they need to drink increasing amounts of alcohol to feel its effects, which include sensations of dizziness or feelings of muscular relaxation. When drinking socially, alcoholics drink greater amounts of alcohol than other people around them and yet remain noticeably sober in comparison. Clinical psychologist Dr. Michaele Dunlap explains that over time, damage to a heavy drinker's liver leads to "poor liver function and a noticeable decrease in tolerance, or 'reverse-tolerance'." Reverse-tolerance of the liver is a sign of late-stage alcoholism.

Withdrawal Symptoms

• People who are alcohol dependent may experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include tremors, sweating, nausea, headaches, loss of appetite, rapid heart rate, mental sluggishness and feelings of general fatigue. Severe physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, or "third stage" withdrawal symptoms, include hallucinations, seizures, confusion and fever, which can prove dangerous. Dunlap explains that there is a 10 to 20 percent mortality rate associated with third-stage withdrawal, and alcoholics who wish to overcome their addiction should always consult a health professional for expert advice on how to manage alcohol withdrawal.

Behavioral Changes

• Alcoholics may exhibit changes in their behavior as their alcohol addiction becomes increasingly entrenched. They may experience insomnia and depression, and feel constantly irritable, anxious and restless. They begin to avoid hobbies or activities that they previously enjoyed and choose to engage only in activities that involve drinking. People who are alcohol dependent become adept at rationalizing their drinking problem by making excuses or blaming other people. For example, they may lay blame for their drinking habits upon financial problems or work stresses, or they may obstinately refuse any discussion of their drinking habits. Alcoholics may show signs of neglecting their family and work responsibilities. They may exhibit extreme personality changes, which manifest as defensiveness, deceitfulness or aggression.

Relationship Deterioration

• Alcoholics tend to avoid anyone who raises an objection to their drinking habits and this may include close family and friends. Relationships begin to deteriorate and the alcoholic may feel, and become, increasingly isolated. According to the Help Guide website, alcoholics and alcohol abusers are "much more likely to get divorced, have problems with domestic violence, struggle with unemployment, and live in poverty." Family and friends may take on burdens such as telling lies to mask an alcoholic's unacceptable behavior, or they may work long hours because the alcoholic is unable to meet work commitments. They may also suffer intense emotional strain from constantly pretending that nothing is wrong, while keeping their fears and resentments hidden from view.