1. Anyone who must drink/use in order to function or "cope" with life.
2. Anyone who, by his/her own personal definition or that of family and friends, frequently drinks/uses to a state of intoxication.
3. Anyone who goes to work intoxicated.
4. Anyone who is intoxicated while driving a car.
5. Anyone who sustains a bodily injury which requires medical attention as a consequence of being in an intoxicated state.
6. Anyone who comes into conflict with the law as a consequence of being in an intoxicated state.
7. Anyone who, under the influence of alcohol drugs, does something he/she swears he/she would never do without alcohol/drugs.

When a persons drinking shows a progressive loss of the ability to drink according to personal intent; when the drinking progressively interferes with the significant areas of ones life, such as marriage, work, money matters and social or other interpersonal relationships; when the drinking is different from, or unacceptable to, the family and friends - and the person continues to drink - then some form of the illness, alcoholism, may be indicated. Following is a list of ten general symptoms of alcoholic-type drinking that may suggest alcoholism. This pattern of drinking is seen in all alcoholics, whether they are 13 or 60 years of age, professional or illiterate, male or female, and without respect to race or religion.

• Preoccupation - Thinks or talks about drinking.  Preoccupation with when, where and how one will get the next drink.
• Increased Tolerance - Able to "drink others under the table."  Takes more for the person to experience the effect of alcohol.
• Gulping Drinks - The goal of the drinking is to "get high";  will drink doubles, have a few before the party.
• Drinks Alone - Sociability is not the most important factor.  Will drink alone, when no one else is drinking, or will stop  at a bar and drink under the guise of social drinking.
• Use as a Medicine - Will use alcohol as a tranquilizer to relieve tension and anxiety, as a nightcap for sleep, when angry, sad or grieving.  Sees alcohol as a kind of panacea.
• Blackouts - Has difficulty recalling events that occurred during periods of drinking.  May wake up and not recall events from the previous evening.
• Protecting Supply - Feels reassured if there is a sufficient supply available at home, in the trunk of the car or in the office desk.  Preoccupation with having alcohol available in case there is a need for a "pick-me-up" or "calm-me-down."
• Non-Premeditated Use - Drinks more than planned;  often drinks different from what the person would like for it to be.
• Lies About Usage - Family feels the person is generally dishonest, especially about amount consumed.
• Remorse After Drinking - Says or does things that they regret later.

Physical Symptoms

1. Acting intoxicated
2. Redness of eyes or droopy eyelids
3. Imprecise eye movements
4. Wearing sunglasses at inappropriate times
5. Abnormally pale complexion
6. Change in speech patterns and vocabulary
7. Frequent, persistent illness; sniffles, cough
8. Change in sleep patterns such as insomnia, napping or sleeping at inappropriate times
9. Repressed physical development
10. Sudden appetite, especially for sweets (munchies)
11. Unexplained weight loss or loss of  appetite
12. Neglect of personal appearance, grooming