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Individuals struggling with problem drinking may experience one or more of the following:

• Tolerance (more is needed to get the same effect)
• Decreasing academic performance as a result of drinking
• Negative social consequences as a result of drinking
• Lifestyle changes to accommodate use
• Choosing friends based on drinking behavior
• Drinking alone
• Rationalizing alcohol use to friends
• Not remembering things one did while intoxicated
• Desire to control, or unsuccessful efforts to control excessive drinking
• Getting angry when confronted about drinking

Symptoms of Alcohol Dependence:

• Neglect of Activities: Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use
• Excessive Use: Alcohol is consumed in larger amounts over a longer period than intended
• Impaired control: Ongoing, unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol consumption
• Persistence of Use: Alcohol consumption is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely caused or exacerbated by alcohol
• Alcohol Related Activities: A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain, use or recover from the effects of alcohol
• Withdrawal: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking
• Tolerance: The need for increasing amounts of alcohol in order to feel its effects