For instance, perhaps the most common occurrence is finding yourself drinking more or longer than you had intended. There are times when commiserating with friends or family goes longer than expected. However, if you find yourself frequently drinking more and more during social situations, you may have a problem. Likewise, if you’ve made the decision to stop drinking or reduce your consumption but failed, you may have an issue. This is especially true if it’s happened to you more than once. Wanting to quit but finding yourself unable or unwilling denotes a dependency. While we all have urges and random cravings, finding yourself constantly thinking about alcohol or when the next time you will be able to drink is a red flag.

Some other signs you may have a dependence on alcohol include:

• Spending much of your time drinking, getting alcohol, or recovering from drinking
• Continuing to drink although it has directly interfered with your work, school, or personal life
• Allowing yourself to be in risky or dangerous situations while drunk or drinking
• You avoid activities, places, and people that don’t allow you to drink

Also, if you or a loved one shows any signs of withdrawal like hand tremors, excessive sweating, or nausea from ceasing to drink for even a few hours, help is needed.