Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse

• Anxiety and annoyance when asked about alcohol, making excuses for drinking
• Blackouts
• Bladder and bowel incontinence, urinary retention, difficulty urinating
• Blurred vision or dry mouth
• Cognitive impairment, memory or concentration disturbances, confusion or disorientation
• Denial of drinking or hiding drinking
• Drinking in spite of medical admonitions against it
• Arrests for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated; frequent car accidents
• Frequent falls and unexplained bruising
• Hiding alcohol
• Increased tolerance to alcohol (drinking more with less visible effects)
• Morning drinking
• Neglect of home, bills, or pets
• Persistent irritability and altered mood, depression, or anxiety
• Poor hygiene and self-neglect
• Problems with family and friends caused by drinking, withdrawal from social activities
• Seizures, malnutrition, muscle wasting, dehydration
• Sexual dysfunction
• Sleep problems; observable changes in sleeping patterns; unusual fatigue, malaise, or daytime drowsiness; sleep disturbances
• Slurred speech
• Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempt
• Tremor, motor uncoordination, shuffling gait, gait disorders
• Unusual restlessness and agitation, aggressive or abusive behavior
• Withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is removed