how would you describe an alcoholic?

Answer 1

A strict definition would be "a person who is addicted to alcohol." In reality, the degree of the problem is best measured by behavior and the effect on the person's life.

Active alcoholics or those with alcohol abuse problems may show any or all of the following symptoms. Any are cause for alarm.

• Denial
• Excuses for unacceptable, irrational or uncharacteristic behavior
• Drinking alone or in secret
• Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink
• Not remembering conversations or commitments, sometimes referred to as "blacking out"
• Making a ritual of having drinks before, with or after dinner and becoming annoyed when this ritual is disturbed or questioned
• Losing interest in activities and hobbies that used to bring pleasure
• Feeling a need or compulsion to drink
• Irritability when your usual drinking time nears, especially if alcohol isn't available
• Keeping alcohol in unlikely places at home, at work or in the car
• Gulping drinks, ordering doubles, becoming intoxicated intentionally to feel good or drinking to feel "normal"
• Having legal problems or problems with relationships, employment or finances
• Building a tolerance to alcohol so that you need an increasing number of drinks to feel alcohol's effects
• Experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms - such as nausea, sweating and shaking - if you don't drink.