Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse?

B. Miller
B. Miller

The symptoms of alcohol abuse usually become most noticeable when they begin to interfere with an individual's life. He or she may find that he begins missing work, getting in legal trouble, neglecting responsibilities at home, or causing trouble in personal relationships. In addition, another one of the most common symptoms of alcohol abuse is an inability to cut back on drinking, or to have "just one" drink in any given situation, despite the best of intentions.

Symptoms of alcohol abuse may not always be obvious to the person with a drinking problem, but may instead become obvious to the other people in the individual's life. Often, friends or family members might begin to comment on someone's drinking habits, stating that they wish he or she would stop or cut back on the alcohol, or that they are concerned about her health. Someone with a drinking problem might continue to go out and get drunk even knowing that it could cause a fight with friends or family, and potentially cause lasting damage to relationships.

Frequent drinking may be a sign of alcoholism.
Frequent drinking may be a sign of alcoholism.

People may begin to notice symptoms of alcohol abuse in themselves as well. They might feel that despite their best intentions, they can never just have one drink or cut back on their drinking in general; they may start to feel ashamed of the amount they drink, and begin hiding the fact that they are continuing to drink. In addition, some people with a drinking problem will find that they need to have a few drinks at the end of the day to relax, or in the morning to combat a hangover.

People struggling with alcoholism may drink before going to work.
People struggling with alcoholism may drink before going to work.

Over time, an individual's tolerance for alcohol will get higher, and they will need to drink in increasing amounts. He or she might begin to drink until they black out, or experience vomiting or even alcohol poisoning. Another one of the most noticeable symptoms of alcohol abuse is that people begin to have trouble functioning in daily life without alcohol. They may feel shaky, anxious, depressed, or irritable unless they can have a drink.

Someone who repeatedly drinks and then drives is displaying signs of alcohol abuse.
Someone who repeatedly drinks and then drives is displaying signs of alcohol abuse.

Legal problems or unsafe behavior are some of the other symptoms of alcohol abuse. Getting arrested for driving while intoxicated, for example, is one example. Someone with an alcohol problem might also behave unsafely while using machinery at work. These are a few of the most common symptoms of alcohol abuse; if an individual suspects that he or she has a drinking problem, it is important to see a doctor and discuss options for getting help.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Frequent drinking may be a sign of alcoholism.
      By: stokkete
      Frequent drinking may be a sign of alcoholism.
    • People struggling with alcoholism may drink before going to work.
      By: Deklofenak
      People struggling with alcoholism may drink before going to work.
    • Someone who repeatedly drinks and then drives is displaying signs of alcohol abuse.
      By: Danny Hooks
      Someone who repeatedly drinks and then drives is displaying signs of alcohol abuse.
    • Alcoholics may find it extremely difficult to refrain from drinking.
      By: kmiragaya
      Alcoholics may find it extremely difficult to refrain from drinking.
    • Consuming more alcohol than a body can safely handle may cause fatal alcohol poisoning.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Consuming more alcohol than a body can safely handle may cause fatal alcohol poisoning.
    • Individuals who abuse alcohol may require medical help.
      By: ep stock
      Individuals who abuse alcohol may require medical help.
    • Someone who over indulges in alcohol may suffer from nausea.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      Someone who over indulges in alcohol may suffer from nausea.
    • Excessive vomiting may occur for people who abuse alcohol.
      By: Tatty
      Excessive vomiting may occur for people who abuse alcohol.
    • Being arrested for driving while intoxicated may be a sign of an alcohol abuse problem.
      By: jinga80
      Being arrested for driving while intoxicated may be a sign of an alcohol abuse problem.
    • Many alcoholics attempt to hide their alcohol abuse from loved ones.
      By: Photobank
      Many alcoholics attempt to hide their alcohol abuse from loved ones.
    • Feeling depressed or irritable without alcohol may be a sign of alcohol abuse.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Feeling depressed or irritable without alcohol may be a sign of alcohol abuse.
    • Someone that abuses alcohol may begin to drink until they black out.
      By: stokkete
      Someone that abuses alcohol may begin to drink until they black out.