What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse and alcoholism?
The Mayo Clinic provides a list of signs and symptoms that indicate that an abusive relationship to alcohol exists: • Drinking alone or in secret • 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 • Irritability as 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 According to The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the following four additional symptoms indicate that an alcohol abuse problem has developed into an addiction to alcohol: • Craving – A strong need, or ur
