Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
It is common to deny an alcohol problem. Alcohol abuse can occur without physical dependence.
Alcohol abuse symptoms include:
- Repeated work, school, or home problems due to drinking
- Risking physical safety
- Recurring trouble with the law, often including drinking and driving
- Continuing to drink despite alcohol-related difficulties
Symptoms of alcoholism include:
- Craving a drink
- Unable to stop or limit drinking
- Needing greater amounts of alcohol to feel the same effect
- Giving up activities in order to drink or recover from alcohol
- Drinking that continues even when it causes or worsens health problems
- Wanting to stop or reduce drinking, but not being able
- Withdrawal symptoms if alcohol is stopped include:
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Anxiety
- Increased blood pressure
- Seizures ( delirium tremens , “DTs”)
The brain, nervous system, heart, liver, stomach, gastrointestinal tract, and pancreas can all be damaged by alcoholism.