|
|
|
|
In order to face alcoholism and start on the road to recovery, you should have a basic understanding of the disease and its characteristics.
Alcoholism is usually defined by the following traits:
- A strong urge to consume alcohol, known also as craving. 1
- The inability to stop drinking, once started. 1
- A physical dependence involving withdrawal symptoms including nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety. 1
- An elevated tolerance to alcohol. 1
To understand how alcoholism might be affecting your life, take a look at the statements below. If three or more of them, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period, apply to you or you observe these traits in a family member or friend, you should consider talking to you doctor or healthcare provider.
- It takes more alcohol to get "high" than it did before.
- I have a few drinks to decrease my shakiness, nausea, or sweating.
- I can’t stop drinking once I start.
- I spend a lot of time thinking about drinking.
- I have tried and failed to cut down or stop.
- I have alcohol-related medical or behavioral problems.
- I have cut down on social or professional activities in order to drink.
For a deeper assessment of how alcoholism might be affecting your life, take our alcoholism assessment questionnaire.
|
|
|
|
