If you experience any of the following, you should talk with your doctor about treatment options: feeling like you should cut down on your drinking, being annoyed when others criticize your drinking, feeling bad or guilty about your drinking, or drinking first thing in the morning to get rid of a hangover.

Unfortunately, alcoholism often is associated with denial so it may be friends or family members who need to confront a problem drinker to make them see the problem. If one or more of your close friends or family members suggest that you have alcoholism, then perhaps you should reflect on your drinking habits. Similarly, if someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of alcohol addiction, the best thing you can do for them is help them get treatment.