It is not always the easiest thing in the world to recognize when your drinking, or the drinking of a loved one, has crossed the line from social to dangerous. In order to get the treatment you need to overcome a dependency, you need to first understand that there is a problem at all.

There are warning signs to be on the lookout for in you or your friends and family. Should you notice any of these in the near future, you might want to consider the options in front of you. Seeking help will allow you to fight the disease.

Here are a few red flags to look for:

• Damaging your health: If you drink to the point where your body begins to shut down, such as damaging your liver, and continue on, the impact will only get worse. Cirrhosis is a serious disease that should come as a dire warning for you to stop consuming alcohol.
  Legal problems: The clearest indication that you abuse alcohol will be any issues that you have with the law. This could include being arrested for public intoxication, getting a DUI while out on the road or being placed into custody for assaulting somebody.
• Neglecting responsibilities: One of the biggest signs that your drinking is out of control is that you will start to ignore what you have to take care of throughout any given day. Avoiding work, skipping out on social commitments or ignoring your children are all warning signs.
• Relieving stress by drinking: Problem drinking often starts when people use alcohol as a way to ease the stress from their day. You shouldn't have to reach for a bottle whenever you experience a bad day at work or get into a fight with a friend.
• Using alcohol in dangerous situations: Drinking alcohol when it is dangerous to do so can show the extent of the problem. These scenarios can include operating a vehicle, mixing alcohol with any medications or using machinery while intoxicated.
• Withdrawal symptoms: Those with serious alcohol dependencies will experience withdrawal symptoms if they go too long without drinking. These symptoms often present themselves as sweating, shakiness, nausea and anxiety. If you have ever experienced these symptoms, that is a major indication of an alcohol dependency.

If you or somebody you know is in need of treatment, contact Fairwinds Treatment Center today! Since founded by Dr. M.K. (Khal) El-Yousef in 1989, our alcohol treatment centers have used a unique dual diagnosis approach — combining clinical treatment with therapeutic counseling — to uncover and treat the psychological triggers behind substance abuse, helping patients to overcome their alcohol addiction and get their life back on track.