Identifying The Signs Of Alcohol Abuse

There are times when it is difficult to know if you have moved from a recreational drinker to abusing alcohol. However, there are a number of questions you can ask yourself to see if you may have developed a problem, and become more dependent than you first thought.

Firstly, ask yourself if you now drink to mask problems, or to cope with stressful situations and issues in life. If you now drink when something is bothering you, you may have crossed the line, and this could be a warning sign. It is important to recognize this stage of the problem, as you can then deal with it, or seek advice.

If you need drink in order to relax, it could be another warning sign of alcohol abuse. Think about your old drinking habits, and see if you have progressed to being a more frequent drinker now. If the situations and reasons for drinking have changed, then you need to question your drinking habits. Those who drink in order to feel better about themselves are no longer drinking for enjoyment, and should be worried about their drinking.

Another serious symptom of alcohol abuse is if you lie to your close family and friends to mask how much, and how often, you are drinking alcohol.

One of the most serious signs is if you always drink more than you intended to. This often signals you don't have control over yourself once you have a couple of drinks. If you are always the drunken member of the party, or never remember your nights out, you should know this is a major sign of alcohol abuse. Once you become self destructive due to alcohol abuse, you can cause problems in your life, as well to the lives of the people you care about. Re-asses your drinking, and seek help were needed.