Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse & Dependence

Take a look at the following symptoms and ask yourself honestly, "Do some of these apply to me?"

Please keep in mind that very few people have them all.

1. My drinking sometimes causes problems.
2. I sometimes set limits on the amount I will drink and then exceed those limits.
3. I sometimes make promises to myself or someone else about drinking and then break those promises.
4. I sometimes lie about or try to hide the frequency and/or amount of my drinking.
5. I sometimes forget or deny things that happen when I was intoxicated.
6. I sometimes behave very differently when intoxicated than when sober, almost as if I'm a different person.
7. I sometimes tend to avoid social functions at which alcohol may not be available.
8. I've embarrassed, angered, or frightened other people when I was drunk.
9. I have a very high tolerance - that is, I can drink a lot without acting or feeling highly intoxicated.
10. I sometimes feel guilty, embarrassed, or remorseful about things I said or did while intoxicated. I occasionally drink in the morning or early in the day to treat a hangover or to avoid the shakes.

How many "yes" answers do you need to diagnosis a problem? It depends. If you answered "yes" to one or more, then it may be worth taking a closer look.