Abuse: Not Meeting Responsibilities(01 of20)
Open Image ModalAbuse, the regular use of a substance that leads to serious psychological and/or physical disability, is shown by one or more of these symptoms during the same year:Repeated substance use to the point of not being able to meet responsibilities -- not performing well at work, being suspended from school, being repeatedly late or absent from required duties, or neglecting household tasks. (credit:Shutterstock)
Abuse: Involving Risk(02 of20)
Open Image ModalAbuse, the regular use of a substance that leads to serious psychological and/or physical disability, is shown by one or more of these symptoms during the same year:Repeated substance use when there is risk involved, like operating equipment or driving a car while under the influence. (credit:Shutterstock)
Abuse: Difficulties With The Law(03 of20)
Open Image ModalAbuse, the regular use of a substance that leads to serious psychological and/or physical disability, is shown by one or more of these symptoms during the same year:Repeated difficulties with the law related to substance use -- being arrested for physical aggression or drunk driving, for instance. (credit:Shutterstock)
Abuse: Personal Or Social Difficulties(04 of20)
Open Image ModalAbuse, the regular use of a substance that leads to serious psychological and/or physical disability, is shown by one or more of these symptoms during the same year:Insisting on using the substance regardless of continued or repeated personal or social difficulties because of it, verbal or physical aggression with a loved one, or frequent arguments about the substance use. (credit:Shutterstock)
Dependence: Needing Great Amounts(05 of20)
Open Image ModalSymptoms of alcohol dependence, a physical need to drink, are identified as three or more of the following within the same year:Needing greater amounts of alcohol to satisfy cravings. (credit:Shutterstock)
Dependence: An Inability To Reduce Use(06 of20)
Open Image ModalSymptoms of alcohol dependence, a physical need to drink, are identified as three or more of the following within the same year:Using the substance longer than planned or more frequently and in greater amounts.An inability to reduce use, despite a sincere wish to do so. (credit:Shutterstock)
Dependence: Going Through Withdrawal(07 of20)
Open Image ModalSymptoms of alcohol dependence, a physical need to drink, are identified as three or more of the following within the same year:Going through withdrawal when not using alcohol, with symptoms such as tremors, restlessness, and agitation. (credit:Shutterstock)
Dependence: Avoiding Withdrawal(08 of20)
Open Image ModalSymptoms of alcohol dependence, a physical need to drink, are identified as three or more of the following within the same year:Taking a substance or a similar one to avoid the effects of withdrawal. (credit:Shutterstock)
Dependence: Spending Time On Alcohol(09 of20)
Open Image ModalSymptoms of alcohol dependence, a physical need to drink, are identified as three or more of the following within the same year:Spending a significant amount of time trying to acquire the substance.Spending less time at work or on other activities because of substance use; a person may completely abandon previously enjoyable activities. (credit:Shutterstock)
Dependence: Drinking In The Face Of Difficulty(10 of20)
Open Image ModalSymptoms of alcohol dependence, a physical need to drink, are identified as three or more of the following within the same year:Continuing to drink despite being aware that alcohol is causing psychological or physical difficulties. (credit:Shutterstock)
Addiction: Saying Inappropriate Things(11 of20)
Open Image ModalStephen Gilman, MD, an addiction specialist in New York City, helps determine the severity of alcohol addiction by asking the following questions:Does he/she frequently say inappropriate things? (credit:Shutterstock)
Addiction: Slurred Speech(12 of20)
Open Image ModalStephen Gilman, MD, an addiction specialist in New York City, helps determine the severity of alcohol addiction by asking the following questions:Does his/her speech slurred? (credit:Shutterstock)
Addiction: Missing Work(13 of20)
Open Image ModalStephen Gilman, MD, an addiction specialist in New York City, helps determine the severity of alcohol addiction by asking the following questions:Does he/she miss work? (credit:Shutterstock)
Addiction: Off Balance(14 of20)
Open Image ModalStephen Gilman, MD, an addiction specialist in New York City, helps determine the severity of alcohol addiction by asking the following questions:Is his/her balance off when they walk? (credit:Shutterstock)
Addiction: Trouble With The Law(15 of20)
Open Image ModalStephen Gilman, MD, an addiction specialist in New York City, helps determine the severity of alcohol addiction by asking the following questions:Has he/she gotten in trouble with the law, for example, with drinking and driving? (credit:Shutterstock)
Addiction: Health Problems(16 of20)
Open Image ModalStephen Gilman, MD, an addiction specialist in New York City, helps determine the severity of alcohol addiction by asking the following questions:Is he having health issues related to alcohol addiction, such as heartburn, liver problems, high blood pressure, or insomnia? (credit:Shutterstock)
Question To Ask: Should I Cut Down?(17 of20)
Open Image ModalTake the CAGE questionnaire -- if the answer to two or more of the four CAGE questions is yes, it is likely you have a problem.C stands for cut-down: Do you ever feel that you should cut down on your drinking? (credit:Shutterstock)
Question To Ask: People Getting Annoyed?(18 of20)
Open Image ModalTake the CAGE questionnaire -- if the answer to two or more of the four CAGE questions is yes, it is likely you have a problem.A stands for annoyed: Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking? (credit:Shutterstock)
Question To Ask: Ever Felt Guilty?(19 of20)
Open Image ModalTake the CAGE questionnaire -- if the answer to two or more of the four CAGE questions is yes, it is likely you have a problem.G stands for guilty: Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking? (credit:Shutterstock)
Question To Ask: Drinking To 'Recover'?(20 of20)
Open Image ModalTake the CAGE questionnaire -- if the answer to two or more of the four CAGE questions is yes, it is likely you have a problem.E stands for eye-opener: Have you ever had to drink as soon as you wake up to steady your nerves or get over a hangover? (credit:Shutterstock)