Alcoholism?.....how do I know when someone is a genuine alcoholic??

There are many signs of alcoholism. It's key to remember however, that every person's characteristics are different. In order to understand alcoholism, one must know how to identify the patterns and behaviors associated with it. A person may have a problem with alcohol but not all the characteristics of alcoholism.

Most alcoholics deny that they have a drinking problem. There are other signs of alcoholism and alcohol abuse and those listed below. Just remember, just because a person doesn't display the following signs, does not mean they are not in need of help. There are a variety of alcoholic types, including "functioning alcoholic." These are people who are indeed alcoholics but still get up each morning and go to work, tend to family life, etc. and have no problems with schedules. These types of alcoholics are often times overlooked as not having a problem when in reality they do but just hide it very well.

- Drinking alone or in secret

- Not remembering conversations or commitments

- Making a ritual of having drinks before, with or after dinner and becoming annoyed when this ritual is disturbed or questioned

- Losing interest in activities and hobbies that used to bring pleasure

- Irritability as usual drinking time nears, especially if alcohol isn't available

- Keeping alcohol in unlikely places at home, at work or in the car

- Gulping drinks, ordering doubles, becoming intoxicated intentionally to feel good or drinking to feel "normal"

- Having legal problems or problems with relationships, employment or finances

Other factors that lead to excessive drinking contribute to the addiction process. These include genetics, age, emotional state, family history, psychological factors, and social and cultural factors.

I have included the links to the Alcoholics Anonymous website as well as the link to the Alanon/Alateen (for those affected by family members or friends with drinking problems).

it doesn't matter. genuine or not. he/she needs help.

When they constantly are drinking, EVERYDAY, and when you confront them they deny it...

Their breath stinks like alcohol at all times!

It dominates and is the center of their life to the extent that they forsake who they really are in order to self-medicate, or their drinking interferes with their day-to-day experience and interactions (i.e. start missing work or social functions they had previously agreed to attend on a consistent basis).

my mum was a drunk. she was syncronised. started at lunch and stopped at 6pm. years she did this.
my partner is a drunk but wont admit it. from the time he gets home till bed, he has to drink a set amount, or he stays up till he's done, and he stinks the smell comes out of his skin.
but either way if they cant go with out it that generally means there a alcoholic, confront them. they will deny it......hope this helps

they hide it, are late for work, steal from family, isolate themselves, they are always broke ,and borrowing money,they do not take care of themselves physically, poor personal hygiene, smell of alcohol, sleeping in or staying up all night. insomniac, craving sugar alot. very arguementive.thebiggest thing is that they will fail to admit that they have a problem!!!!any off these things could be an issue contact your local A.A chapter if its a loved 1 you can also go to most bookstores or
even ebay and get the BIG BOOK!!! good luck to you.

When they start drinking Colt 45's and anything that has alcohol in it.