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Rise in alcohol abuse by teens disturbs police
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Alcohol Symptoms
Alcoholism is a common problem. It affects people of all races and social and
economic classes, the young and the old, and both men and women. It is different
from alcohol abuse, which is a pattern of drinking that also causes problems
but does not involve an intense craving for alcohol and a loss of control over
its use. Alcoholism is not defined by how much or how often a person drinks,
but by the uncontrollable need for alcohol. Early symptoms of alcoholism often go unnoticed, even by relatives and close
friends. A person may start by drinking too much at social occasions or drinking
to reduce anxiety and boost self-confidence. Later, the person may feel the
need to drink, even when alone, to feel "normal." Alcoholism is associated
with denial; the person believes that he/she is control of the situation. The
recognition of the problem is the first step to the treatment therefore understanding
and accepting the symptoms are crucial. Dependency on alcohol or other drugs is detrimental to one's health, family,
relationships and career. While best assessed by a professional, some of the
most common indicators include: