Many people do not realize they have a drinking problem which is dangerous to their health. Unfortunately, people often drink as a way to:

• Get a break from their daily routine.
  
• De-stress from school or work.
  
• Reward themselves.
  
• Feel less inhibited in social situations.
  
• Fit in with others that are drinking.
  
• Express feelings that are difficult to express when they are sober.
  
• Suppress painful feelings such as shame, anger, sadness or loneliness.

Below are descriptions of how some people may use or abuse alcohol.


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A social drinker typically:

• Drinks slowly (no fast gulping).
• Knows when to stop drinking (does not drink to get drunk).
• Eats before or while drinking.
• Never drives after drinking.
• Respects non-drinkers.
• Knows and obeys laws related to drinking.

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A problem drinker typically:

• Drinks to get drunk.
• Tries to solve problems by drinking.
• Experiences changes in personality; may become loud, angry or violent or silent, remote or reclusive.
• Drinks when he or she should not -- before driving, going to class or work.
• Causes others problems -- harms himself or herself, family, friends or strangers.

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An alcoholic typically:

• Spends a lot of time thinking about drinking and planning where and when to get the next drink.
• Keeps bottles hidden for quick pick-me-ups.
• Starts drinking without conscious planning and loses awareness of the amount consumed.
• Denies drinking.
• Drinks alone.
• Needs to drink before facing a stressful situation.
• May have "blackouts" -- cannot remember what he or she did while drinking, although he or she may have appeared normal to people at the time.
• Goes from having hangovers to more dangerous withdrawal symptoms, such as delirium tremens ("DTs"), which can be fatal.
• Has or causes major problems -- with police, an employer, family or friends.

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