Warning signs of alcoholism are important indicators showing a trend toward dependency. Alcoholism affects people from all walks of life and can start affecting someone in her teenage years. Not only do physical effects on our health manifest, but our appearance suffers as well. There are many treatment options and support groups available for someone struggling with alcohol dependency.
Significance
According to a 2007 study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), at least 30 percent of Americans abuse or become dependent on alcohol.
Identification
Four warning signs indicating you may have an alcohol problem are increasing resistance to the effects of alcohol, inability to stop drinking after starting, strong desire to drink and becoming anxious when not drinking, and becoming nauseous or shaky if you don't drink.
Effects
Alcoholic people generally lose their appetites and can lose weight quickly, appearing thin and pale. They often disregard proper hygiene.
Considerations
If you are unsure if you or a loved or are becoming alcohol dependent, you may already have a problem with drinking. Questioning your alcohol use is crucial. If it's negatively impacting your life, you have a problem.
Prevention/Solution
Awareness and asking for help can send someone on the right path for recovery. A strong resistance and defensiveness is characteristic of the first time you start to deal with the problem.
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