Alcohol abuse comes in many forms. You may have a drinking problem and not even know it. It is important to recognize the signs of alcohol abuse before it becomes a problem. What are the first questions to ask yourself is why you drink.

Is fine to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner. It is considered alcohol abuse when you have to finish the entire bottle simply because it was open. Stopping for a beer after work is not a problem. Leaving the bar because you have no more money to buy drinks is a sign of alcohol addiction.Alcoholism is a disease. With any disease there are symptoms. Some of these symptoms can include a strong urge to drink, binge drinking, symptoms of withdrawal, and increased tolerance levels. The person who suffers from alcohol abuse will feel the need to have a drink. This need may be brought on by stress or anxiety. There may be a need to drink to overcome depression.

Another problem with alcohol abuse is binge drinking. This happens when somebody starts drinking and is not able to stop. People who suffer from social alcoholism are binge drinkers. It is still a form of alcohol abuse.

Alcohol abuse can result in withdrawal symptoms. The alcoholic may suffer from nausea, heavy sweating, and feelings of anxiety. He or she may suffer from shakiness when there is no alcohol in their system. This physical dependency can result in higher tolerance levels.

Someone who suffers from alcohol abuse has the need to drink more to get the same feelings of euphoria. The functioning alcoholic has the ability to consume far more alcohol than the average person and still be able to perform required tasks.

It is not always easy to recognize the symptoms of alcohol abuse and seek out addiction treatment. A person who suffers from alcoholism may try to keep it hidden. It is important to take steps for intervention as soon as any of these symptoms come to light.