Understanding Alcohol Abuse - Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms?

The following symptoms are associated with abuse of alcohol:

• Temporary blackouts or memory loss.
• Recurrent arguments or fights with family members or friends.
• Continuing use of alcohol to relax, to cheer up, to sleep, to deal with problems, or to feel "normal."
• Headache, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, or other unpleasant symptoms when you stop drinking.
• Flushed skin and broken capillaries on the face; a husky voice; trembling hands; chronic diarrhea; and drinking alone, in the mornings, or in secret. These symptoms are specifically associated with chronic alcoholism.

Call Your Doctor If:

• You have any of the symptoms listed in the description section and are unable to stop drinking on your own. You need medical intervention to treat alcoholism. You may also be susceptible to ailments such as cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and heart disease.
• You drink regularly and experience chronic or periodic depression. You may be at risk of suicide.
• You have tried to stop drinking and experienced withdrawal symptoms such as headache, anxiety, insomnia, nausea or delirium tremens. You need medical attention by a doctor or a treatment center.

Ask yourself “Do I have a problem?”

• C -- tried but failed to “cut” down
• A -- Annoyed by criticism from others
• G -- Guilt about consequences of drinking (ie, loss of job or relationship)
• E -- Eye-opener (MVA or DUI etc)