Alcohol abuse enters the picture when the use of alcohol begins to cause problems for the drinker, but they don't stop drinking. The person may miss work or get into legal trouble. The alcohol use may put a strain on family relationships or friendships. Driving drunk is also a sign of alcohol abuse.

Many Americans can consume one or two drinks a day without putting their health at risk. One drink per day for women, and two for men, is considered moderate use. Men who are problem drinkers typically consume more than 14 drinks a week, or often have more than four drinks at one occasion. For women and for people over 65, the indicative figures are 7 or more drinks per week, or three or more at a time. However, even people who drink less can have a problem with alcohol.

Behavioral Effects

Alcohol abuse and addiction cause subtle damage in the initial stages, which may simply manifest as behavioral inconsistencies. Small arguments and issues often get absorbed into the family situation in the initial stages and may seem to stem from other immediate causes and triggers rather than the alcoholics’ own mental and emotional problems.

Such issues can seriously damage a family and its foundations over time. The alcoholic may progressively withdraw from social, personal and emotional interactions.

Signs of Alcoholism

Any of the above signs can also be part of alcoholism. Specifically, a person is considered an alcoholic when they exhibit:

• Cravings. The person feels a strong need for alcohol, even in situations where it may not seem appropriate to others.
• Lack of control over drinking. The person may announce that he/she will have only one or two drinks—but once they start, they can't seem to stop.
• Tolerance. It takes a large amount of alcohol to make the person drunk.
• Withdrawal. Going a day without drinking leads to shakiness, anxiety, or nausea.

People who abuse alcohol may also have:

• Physiological issues
• Relationships problems with spouse, children and parents
• Decreased problem-solving skills
• Depression
• Tendencies toward physical and emotional violence

Do You Have a Drinking Problem?

One of the simplest tests to diagnose alcohol abuse or dependence is known as the CAGE questionnaire:

1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
2. Do you feel annoyed when people criticize you for drinking?
3. Do you ever feel bad or guilty about your drinking?
4. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning (an eye-opener) to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?