What are the Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism?

How can you tell whether you or someone close to you may have a drinking problem?  The questions below can help:

• Have you felt that you should cut down on your drinking?
• Have people annoyed you by commenting on or criticizing your drinking?
• Have you ever felt guilty or uncomfortable about your drinking?
• Have you ever had a drink early in the day to steady your nerves or cure a hangover?

If you have answered yes to one or more of these questions it is highly likely that a problem exists. You may be developing alcohol dependence if you:

• Need to drink regularly
• Drink alone
• Hide drink in the home, workplace or car
• Need a drink to stop trembling (the shakes)
• Drink early or first thing in the morning
• Often have a craving to drink alcohol