SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND HELP FOR DRINKING PROBLEMS health

Drinking is woven into the fabric of our society—sharing a bottle of wine over a meal, going out for drinks with friends, celebrating special occasions with champagne. But because alcohol is such a common, popular element in so many activities, it can be hard to see when your drinking has crossed the line from moderate or social use to problem drinking. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse can sneak up on you, so it’s important to be aware of the warning signs of a drinking problem and take steps to cut back if you recognize them. And if you or a loved one is already in the throes of an alcohol addiction, take heart. Understanding the problem is the first step to overcoming it.