No single sign identifies a
problem drinker, but a pattern of behaviors can indicate a problem:

• 
  

  Loss of Control -
  attempts to cut down or control drinking fail. Repeated promises to
  "be more careful" or to "cut down on drinking." Gets
  drunk when intending to stay sober.
  

• 
  

  Black Outs - unable
  to recall all or part of a drinking episode. Doesn't remember what was
  said or done when drunk (blacking out is different from passing out).
  
  

• 
  

  Increased Tolerance
  - needs more alcohol than before to get the same effects. Tolerance
  increases after repeated high use drinking.
  

• 
  

  Drinking Causes Problems
  - continues drinking even though it causes academic, legal, health,
  financial, or relationship problems.
  

• 
  
  

  Personality Changes When
  Drinking - a normally nice person, becomes mean or abusive when
  drinking.
  

• 
  

  Neglects
  Responsibilities - absent or late for classes, meetings, appointments,
  or work due to hangovers or intoxication.
  

• 
  

  Preoccupation with
  Drinking - frequently thinks about drinking. Gives up activities that
  don't involve drinking. Avoids socializing with friends who don't drink.
  
  

• 
  

  Pre-Partying -
  drinks alcohol before going to a party where alcohol will be served. Also,
  "chugs" drinks to get drunk as quickly as possible. May also
  sneak drinks so others don't know how much he/she is really drinking.
  

• 
  

  Denial and Minimizing
  - claims not to drink excessively, despite evidence to the contrary.
  Minimizes the amount of drinking ("I only had a couple of
  drinks"). Avoids talking about his/her own drinking. Justifies
  drinking and tries to characterize it as normal, despite problems.
  

• 
  
  

  Susceptible to
  Accidents, Injuries, or Illnesses - more likely to be hurt in falls,
  in fights, or by "bumping" into things.
  

• 
  

  Drinking to Feel Normal
  - drinks to cope, to escape from problems, to solve a problem, or to feel
  like everyone else.
  

• 
  

  Drinking to Start the
  Day - drinks when getting up in the morning to control tremors or
  shakes after drinking the night before.
  

// posted by will @ 12:28 AM