Too many people are in the grips of alcohol dependence or addiction, and often discover that they cannot stop drinking. They may isolate and insulate themselves and drink alone or drink when no one is around. They may hide alcohol in unusual places to make sure they have access to it and to prevent discovery. The addiction usually causes a person to lose interest in family, friends, hobbies and work. They may not remember conversations from the previous day. As the alcohol addiction progresses they usually create problems for themselves, such as drunk driving, poor judgment, etc.

Symptoms of Alcoholism Checklist

The actual diagnosis of alcoholism should be done by an addiction specialist, but there are signs and symptoms that the rest of us may see. The following is a checklist of signs and symptoms to look for when the possibility of a problem exists, and includes examples of bad habits (which promote drinking behaviors)
  • Experiencing a strong craving for alcohol or compulsion to drink
  • Drinking by yourself or in secrecy
  • Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink
  • Not remembering parts or all of conversations – memory problems
  • Creating a routine of having drinks at a fixed time like before dinner and becoming angry when this behavior is disturbed
  • Losing interest in satisfying activities
  • Irritability when your usual drinking time nears
  • Keeping alcohol in out-of-the-way places at home, at work or in the car
  • Becoming intoxicated intentionally to feel good or "normal"
  • Having difficulties with relationships, employment or finances
  • A tolerance to alcohol is built over time.
  • Having physical withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating and shaking if you don't drink
  • There is a persistent, yet unproductive, desire to reduce alcohol use.
  • Denial is a common symptom of alcoholism.  In spite of all the evidence, the person won’t admit he/she has a problem.
This symptoms of alcoholism checklist helps us to understand that alcoholics are suffering from an alcohol addiction, and telling them to exercise a little willpower is not the solution. The craving is powerful and to the alcoholic can be just as “necessary” as eating and breathing. Like cancer, or heart disease, intervention is necessary to help a person through the recovery process.  The alcoholic most likely has to change bad habits that have developed and will need others to help identify them.

People who abuse alcohol may experience many of the same signs and symptoms of alcoholism as people who are dependent on alcohol. However, alcohol abusers don't feel the same compulsion to drink and usually don't experience physical withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking. A dependence on alcohol also creates a tolerance to alcohol and the inability to control one’s drinking.  If you've ever wondered if your own alcohol use crosses the line of abuse or dependence, ask yourself these questions:
  • Do you need to drink as soon as you wake up?
  • Do you feel guilty about your drinking behavior?
  • Do you think you need to cut back on alcohol consumption?
  • Do you become irritated when other people comment about your drinking habits?
If you answered yes to two or more questions, it's likely that a problem with alcohol exists. Alcoholism is the inability to control alcohol intake, and a person might suffer preoccupation with drinking, which can lead to a multitude of problems.  

If the signs and symptoms of alcoholism are seen and dealt with early, the long-term chances for recovery are improved.  If an alcoholic intervention is carried out by friends and family, the chances of recovery are even more improved.  Get help for alcoholism before it causes serious problems.