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Signs of Alcohol Addiction and How to Get Help

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Millions of Americans are affected by alcohol addiction, and despite what you see on TV, it doesn't just impact one type of person. Regardless of gender, race, financial situation, sexual orientation, family situation, career, age, lifestyle — anyone can develop a problem with alcohol. If you enjoy a few drinks now and then in social situations or you have a glass of wine with dinner, there's probably nothing to worry about. However, if you suspect you or a loved one is dealing with an addiction, here are some signs to look out for, as well as tips on how to get help:

1. Physical Signs of Addiction

If you or a loved one suffers from alcohol addiction, the physical signs may be easy to notice, because the person can't always hide them like they can mental and emotional signs. They include:

Drinking More to Feel Buzzed: The more you drink, the harder it is to achieve that buzz you seek. Drinking More Frequently: If you drink every day — especially more than one drink per day — it's definitely time to seek help. Memory Loss: Many alcoholics can't remember what they did the year before — or even the day before — because they drink so much that they blackout. Drinking in Risky Situations: The bottle of liquor hidden in your desk at work, drinking while driving or getting a good buzz before your child's birthday party — drinking in these situations is risky and could put your life and other aspects of your life in danger. Appearance Changes: Changes in appearance may be deliberate, like poor hygiene or wearing sloppy clothing when you didn't before. They can also be out of your control, like having bags under your eyes, pale or red skin and hands that shake.

2. Mental and Emotional Signs of Addiction

Mental and emotional signs are less obvious to the outside world, but you definitely know they're there. They include:

Shame about how much you drink, so much so that you feel like you have to hide it from others Denial about how much you drink, whether you are lying to yourself or others when you're questioned You are overly emotional and find your emotions switching back and forth from one extreme to another within a short amount of time Defensiveness about how much you drink and other behaviors Irritability, especially when you can't access alcohol right away Personality changes, such as giving up your interest in the things you once loved in exchange for time to drink

3. Impacts on Relationships

When alcohol begins to impact your relationships with others, ranging from your spouse to the people you work with, you almost certainly have a problem with addiction. Even if those around you don't notice your physical and mental symptoms, they're likely to notice changes in the way you interact with them. This might include:

Making alcohol a priority over your relationships with friends and family Neglecting your relationships so you can spend more time drinking Making excuses, either for how much you drink or why you've stopped attending social events Lying to your loved ones about how much you drink and other aspects of your life Performing poorly at work or school and even getting into legal trouble because of your alcoholism Spending more time drinking alone and keeping other people shut out of your life

4. CAGE Substance Abuse Screening Tool

If you need even more proof that you have a problem with alcohol, you may want to give yourself a professional questionnaire such as the CAGE Substance Abuse Screening Tool. Created by Dr. John Ewing, this test consists of four simple questions, and experts say that if you can say yes to at least two of the questions, you're likely an addict. According to Johns Hopkins University, the questions are:

Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking? Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking? Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking? Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get over a hangover?

5. How to Get Help

If you've gone through the signs and answered the questions and determined that you have a problem with alcohol addiction, there are ways to get help and overcome this disease. The first thing to do is talk to your doctor. Your general practitioner can help you with your addiction by prescribing medication, putting together a treatment plan, helping you find a rehabilitation facility or referring you to a counselor or support group. He or she can answer any questions you might have about addiction, and if you want to know something your doctor can't answer, he or she can put you in touch with someone who can. There are groups, meetings, counselors and facilities in every state in the country available to help people who suffer from alcohol addiction. If you don't feel you're brave enough to admit you have a problem or talk to your doctor on your own, confide in someone you trust. It doesn't have to be someone close to you — it can be an old friend, a co-worker, a pastor or anyone who can provide a little support as you take the next step in your journey to recovery.