Alcoholism is a major problem in Western society and in the US, many people go untreated for this disease because they do not believe they fall within the parameters of the definition of alcohol addiction. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), diagnosis is simple if you want to find out if you or a loved one suffers from an alcohol problem. Reference 2, Diagnostic Criteria for Alcohol Abuse and Dependence gives a comprehensive report, but below are the four main symptoms for determining alcohol addiction.

Cravings

A symptom of alcohol dependence is a person's strong cravings and desire for a drink. Constantly thinking about the time drinking activity can commence and pre-planning the method of payment is a type of mental activity characteristic of an alcohol dependent problem.

Lack of Control

A person is addicted to alcohol if they exhibit the inability to have only one or two drinks and frequently overindulge to the point of getting drunk.

Physical Characteristics

An alcoholic will show signs of physical withdrawals from not having a drink for a few hours such as feeling sick or nauseous, sweating, shaking and anxiousness.

Increased Tolerance

A person who regularly consumes alcohol to the point of addiction will find the tolerance level increases so that it takes more liquor consumption in an effort to feel the effects or get drunk.

Alcohol Related Problems

Many issues arise from alcohol addiction and abuse, such as inability to get to school or work; neglecting responsibility with family; driving drunk causing crashes or DUI arrests. In addition, liver, mental and other health problems frequently arise from alcohol dependency.

Treatable Disease

While alcoholism is not a curable disease, it is treatable. See Resource 1 for important information on treating alcoholism. If you or a loved one suspect an alcohol problem, visit your family doctor and discuss the symptoms and treatment options.

Source:

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Diagnostic Criteria for Alcohol Abuse and Dependence

Resource:

National Alcohol Substance Abuse Information Center