Health care

Even with the many signs of alcohol abuse, many people never realize they really have a drinking problem. In fact, even those who don’t drink every day may be abusing alcohol. Alcohol abuse increases your risk of alcoholism, which is basically an addiction to alcohol. Alcoholism is significantly more difficult to deal with, so it is important that you catch the signs of abuse before this turns into an addiction. Whether you are the one drinking or you are worried about a friend or family member, here is a look at some of the signs of alcohol abuse you should be watching for.

Sign #1 – Problems at Work or School

One of the signs of alcohol abuse is having problems at work or at school. Drinking may lead to being late to school or work on a regular basis or even to many absences. Often it can result in not doing your schoolwork or your job effectively.

Sign #2 – Legal Problems

Legal problems may be a sign that alcohol is being abused. This could include being arrested for driving while intoxicated or for harming someone, even though you may not even remember it.

Sign #3 – Hurting Yourself or Someone Else

Hurting yourself or someone else is one of the signs of alcohol abuse and if this is happening, you need to get help. It is never okay to hurt yourself or someone else.

Sign #4 – You Drink In Spite of Health Problems

If you’re drinking in spite of health problems that drinking can make worse or cause, then you have a problem. It is alcohol abuse when you keep drinking even though you are making problems worse or causing certain health problems with your drinking.

Sign #5 – Family and Friends are Worried

When family and friends get worried, it usually is a sign that there is an alcohol abuse problem. Usually family and friends don’t worry over a drink now and then. However, if they begin noticing more, their fears may be warranted.

Sign #6 – Regularly Consuming Alcoholic Drinks

Regularly consuming alcoholic drinks can be another sign that you or someone you know is abusing alcohol. If you’re going through your home drinking all the time, this can be a problem.

Sign #7 – Going Out and Arriving Home Late

Have you noticed that someone you care about is going out and always arriving home late at night? Maybe they even smell of alcohol when they arrive. If this has become a pattern, alcohol abuse may be the cause of it.

Sign #8 – Acting More Emotional Than usual

Often people who are abusing alcohol act more emotional than usual. You may notice that they laugh more than usual and that everything seems funny to them. They may be more prone to tears on the other hand. Often wild mood swings from laughter to tears can occur too.

Sign #9 – Combination of Physical Symptoms

Usually there is a combination of physical symptoms that can clue you in to alcohol abuse. This can include dry mouth in the morning, morning headaches, and stomach problems that occur in the morning.

While the signs of alcohol abuse can vary from person to person, these are some of the common signs to watch out for. If you’re noticing a pattern, more than likely, alcohol abuse is occurring.

About Author


Charles Somerville has more tips for dealing with the signs of alcohol abuse and information about how to get help and treatment on his site at The-Alcoholism-Guide.org