It's fun to have drinks at dinner or out with friends. Some of us start noticing that we have a different relationship to alcohol than others, and then we start to wonder if we have a problem. Alcoholism can creep up on you slowly. Utah Addiction Centers explains that there are many signs of alcoholism, including cravings, loss of control, physical dependence, drunk driving, missing work or school, black out drinking, and others. In this article, we will expand a little on seven of these many signs in order to help you recognize if you are developing a dependence on alcohol.

1. You Can't Leave It

There's no way you'd leave wine in a glass or beer in a mug when you're drinking. What a waste, right? People who are developing a dependence on alcohol can't leave anything in the glass, while others are able to do so because they have had enough.

2. One is Not Enough

The old saying, “one is not enough, and two is two too many,” applies to alcohol. People who have a healthy relationship with drink are able to stop at one. Addiction changes the brain, so that one drink only whets an addict’s appetite for more.

3. High Tolerance

A reputation for being able to handle your drink is considered cool. Unfortunately, a high tolerance often goes hand in hand with alcoholism. If you drink to excess long enough, you'll build tolerance.

4. Frequent Hangovers

If hangovers are a normal part of your life, it's a sign that you'll probably need to slow down. When people start to indulge in 'a hair of the dog' by drinking in the morning to stave off a hangover, they're in problem territory.

5. Daily Drinking

Most people don't drink every single day. If you find that you're stopping by the liquor store to get wine on your way home all throughout the week, this may point to a problem.

6. Drunk Driving

If you're driving after drinking instead of taking a cab or catching a ride with a friend, then you're not thinking clearly about your potential to hurt others. This is a real problem and a dependency on alcohol can make you choose to imbibe even when you shouldn't. Don’t drink and drive.

7. Friends and Family Notice

If your friends and family are making comments about your drinking, it's probably time to take a close look at your choices. If you feel angry or defensive, then that's usually a sign there's something wrong.

Addiction can be insidious and difficult to notice at first, especially when it comes to alcohol, which is present everywhere. Keeping an eye on your drinking will help you enjoy your evenings more, as well as the mornings after. If you notice that you are struggling to put down the bottle, there is help and hope for you. You can reach out to friends and family for help; you can go to a counsellor ; contact a national helpline ; and if it’s necessary, you shouldn’t be afraid to reach out to a rehab center in your area. It’s never too late to change.

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