This subtype makes up 19.5% of people addicted to alcohol in the U.S. If you answered yes to any of the questions above, this might not mean you’re addicted to alcohol, but it might show a potential problem with drinking. If you’ve answered yes to almost all the questions, or noticed the signs mentioned above, then it’s important to seek out help as soon as possible.

It also includes binge drinking — a pattern of drinking where a male has five or more drinks within two hours or a female has at least four drinks within two hours. It’s time to stop making excuses for your drinking and get the help you deserve. Learn about alcoholism support options and find otherresources to start on your recovery plan today.

You Crave Alcohol

During the severe alcohol abuse stage, an alcoholic will become even more dependent on liquor with seemingly out-of-control cravings. These cravings can be all-consuming and lead to irritability, aggression, and depression. At this point, some alcoholics begin to avoid their responsibilities, have relationship problems, become secretive or deceptive, and have a variety of health problems. Additionally, alcohol tolerance allows someone to drink much more than the average person before they become intoxicated. If their goal is to get a “buzz” or be drunk, they might end up drinking a high volume of liquor or binge drinking to achieve it. Not only is excessive drinking dangerous in the moment, but it can also damage the liver and lead to other health problems.

Learn all you can about AUD, how to help someone with the disease—and what not to do. For example, they might not have enough money for a dinner date but somehow manage to buy alcohol.

Support for Me and My Family

Alcoholism is the inability to control one’s consumption of alcohol despite ongoing consequences. Alcohol’s presence is ubiquitous throughout the country, making it extremely easy to obtain. Furthermore, because it is so widely available, it is harder for someone to quit. With street drugs like heroin, a user has to actively seek out the drug and take higher risks to acquire it. Alcohol, on the other hand, can be obtained right down the street at a convenience store or shopping center. Alternatively, it is also cheaper than addictive drugs like cocaine.

Teens may turn to alcohol for various reasons including peer pressure, wanting to experiment or have fun. There are also behavioral, physical and environmental signs of alcoholism factors that may play a role in the risk of adolescent alcohol abuse. However, what may appear as a minor issue can turn dangerous over time.

Impact on your health

Take a look at many common ones below and consider whether any apply to your loved one. If so, it may be time to have a conversation about treatment options.