Alcoholism Symptoms

Alcoholism is a chronic disease that can last over the course of a person's lifetime.  Also known as alcohol abuse or alcohol addiction, alcoholism tends to run in families and is often influenced by environment, genetics and lifestyle.

Some definitive alcoholism symptoms include:

• The intense desire or compulsion to drink alcohol
• The inability to manage one's drinking on any given occasion
• The occurrence of alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, shakiness and sweating when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking
• The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to experience the same effect

Alcoholism can be self-destructive or even present a danger to others.  In order to help a person who is struggling with alcohol addiction it is important to understand and recognize the common alcoholism symptoms and signs.

Alcoholism Signs

The most common alcoholism signs are:

• A strong and overwhelming desire to drink alcohol at a specific time
• Creating a ritual of having drinks and becoming annoyed when this pattern is questioned or disturbed
• Not remembering commitments or conversations (“blacking out”)
• Losing interest in hobbies or activities that were once enjoyable

Alcoholism Statistics

Did you know that…

• Nearly 14 million Americans meet diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorders?1
• More than 18% of Americans experience alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence at some time in their lives?2
• Problem drinkers average four times as many days in the hospital as nondrinkers — mostly because of drinking-related injuries?3

Don't become a part of these statistics. If you or someone you love is exhibiting alcoholism symptoms or signs, please call Lakeview Health Systems toll-free at 1-800-231-2950 for immediate assistance.  All calls are confidential and help is available 24/7. We are a dual diagnosis and drug and alcoholism treatment center and we can help you on your path to long-term alcoholism recovery.