Signs of Alcoholism: 1. Increased Tolerance: Needing more alcohol to feel its effects, leading to consumption of larger amounts over time. 2.
Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing symptoms such as sweating, shaking, nausea, or anxiety when not drinking. - Loss of Control: Drinking more alcohol,
or for longer than intended, on a regular basis.
- Unsuccessful Attempts to Cut Down: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce alcohol consumption. 5.
Time Consumed: Spending a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol, or recovering from alcohol use.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Failing to meet
obligations at work, school, or home due to drinking.
- Continued Use Despite Problems: Continuing to drink even though it's causing physical, social, or
interpersonal problems.
- Giving Up Activities: Abandoning hobbies, social activities, or work that interferes with alcohol use.
- **Drinking in
Dangerous Situations: Using alcohol in situations where it is physically hazardous, such as driving.
- Increased Reliance**: Using alcohol as a way to
relax, de-stress, or self-medicate for other issues. Signs of Depression: 1. Persistent Sadness: Feeling down, tearful, or experiencing a pervasive
sadness nearly every day.
- Loss of Interest or Pleasure: Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day. 3.
Changes in Appetite: Significant weight loss when not dieting, weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite.
- Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or
sleeping too much almost every day.
- Fatigue or Loss of Energy: Nearly every day, feeling unusually tired or having a lack of energy.
- **Feelings of
Worthlessness or Guilt: Excessive or inappropriate feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
- Difficulty Thinking or Concentrating**: Noticeable difficulty in
thinking, concentrating, or making decisions.
- Psychomotor Agitation or Retardation: Observable restlessness or slowed movements and speech. 9.
Recurrent Thoughts of Death: Frequent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt.
- Irritability: Increased
irritability or agitation, especially in situations where the individual used to remain calm. Both alcoholism and depression are serious conditions that can
significantly impact an individual's life. They often co-occur, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment. Seeking professional help from a healthcare
provider or therapist is essential for effective management and treatment.
