Alcohol Dependence (Alcoholism)

In most Western countries, including the United States, the lifetime chance of developing alcoholism is about 10% for men and 3% to 5% for women. Although there is strong evidence that at least part of a person's risk for alcoholism is inherited, having a family history of alcoholism does not guarantee that someone will become an alcoholic. Other lifestyle factors - a social setting where alcohol is a regular part, easy availability of alcohol, severe personal problems - may be even more important than heredity in determining whether some people develop alcoholism. For those who have a strong family history of alcoholism, a supportive family and healthy friendships often can prevent the illness from starting.

Symptoms

To help determine whether someone has an alcohol problem, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism suggests that you look for symptoms included in what is often called the “CAGE” questionnaire:

• Do you worry that you might need to CUT DOWN on drinking?

• Do you feel ANNOYED because other people have criticized your drinking?

• Do you feel GUILTY about drinking?

• Do you need a morning "EYE-OPENER" drink to steady your nerves or to fight a hangover?

Other behavioral symptoms may include:

• Having long episodes of intoxication

• Drinking alone

• Having work problems or financial problems caused by drinking

• Losing interest in food

• Being careless about your personal appearance

• Having blackouts

• Driving drunk

• Hurting yourself or someone else while you are intoxicated

• Hiding liquor bottles and glasses so that other people won't know that you've been drinking

• Experiencing mood or personality changes

Because too much alcohol can be toxic to internal organs, alcoholism also may cause physical symptoms, including:

• Morning nausea or shaking

• Signs of malnutrition due to a poor diet

• Abdominal pain or diarrhea

• A flushed red color to the face and palms

• Numbness, weakness or tingling in the arms or legs

• Unusually frequent accidental injuries, especially falls