Symptoms

It is common to deny an alcohol problem. Alcohol abuse can occur without physical dependence.

Alcohol abuse symptoms include:

• Repeated work, school, or home problems due to drinking
• Risking physical safety
• Recurring trouble with the law, often including drinking and driving
• Continuing to drink despite alcohol-related difficulties

Symptoms of alcoholism include:

• Craving a drink
• Unable to stop or limit drinking
• Needing greater amounts of alcohol to feel the same effect
• Giving up activities in order to drink or recover from alcohol
• Drinking that continues even when it causes or worsens health problems
• Wanting to stop or reduce drinking, but not being able
• Withdrawal symptoms if alcohol is stopped include:
  • Nausea
  • Sweating
  • Shaking
  • Anxiety
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Seizures ( delirium tremens [DTs])

The brain, nervous system, heart, liver, stomach, gastrointestinal tract, and pancreas can all be damaged by alcoholism.

Some of the Organs Damaged in Alcohol Abuse

© 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Diagnosis

Doctors ask a series of questions to assess possible alcohol-related problems, including:

• Have you tried to reduce your drinking?
• Have you felt bad about drinking?
• Have you been annoyed by another person's criticism of your drinking?
• Do you drink in the morning to steady your nerves or cure a hangover?
• Do you have problems with a job, your family, or the law?
• Do you drive under the influence of alcohol?

Blood tests may be done to:

• Look at the size of your red blood cells and to check for a substance called carbohydrate-deficient transferrin
• Check for alcohol-related liver disease and other health problems