RAPS4 Screening - Four questions you could answer if you are concerned about your drinking habits.
1) Have you had a feeling of guilt or remorse after drinking? (Remorse)
2) Has a friend or family member ever told you about things you said or did while you were drinking that you could not remember? (Amnesia)
3) Have you failed to do what was normally expected of you because of drinking? (Perform)
4) Do you sometimes take a drink when you get up in the morning? (Starter)

A "yes" answer to at least one of the four questions suggests that your drinking is harmful to your health and well-being and may adversely affect your work and those around you.
If you answered "no" to all of the questions, your drinking pattern is considered safe for most people and your results do not suggest your drinking is harming your health
Screening Test by John Hopkins University - If you answer three of these 20 questions with a "Yes," it is a definite sign that your drinking behavior is harmful and that you could possibly be considered alcohol dependent or alcoholic.

Physical Effects of Alcoholism

Alcoholics typically go through four alcoholism stages. It is clear that alcoholics experience physical effects of alcoholism during each stage.
Consequently, we will focus on the physical effects of alcoholism that are usually manifested by alcoholics during each of the four stages of alcoholism.

Stage 1

The following list represents some of the physical effects of alcoholism exhibited by alcoholics in the first stage of alcoholism:

  • Lack of recognition by the person that he or she is in the early stages of a progressive illness
  • A conscious effort to seek out more drinking opportunities
  • Boasting and a "big shot" complex
  • Gross Drinking Behavior - more frequent drinking of greater amounts
  • Increasing tolerance
  • An ability to drink great amounts of alcohol without any apparent impairment

Stage 2

The following list typifies some of the physical effects of alcoholism experienced by alcoholics in the second stage of alcoholism:

  • Sneaking extra drinks before social events
  • Physical problems increase
  • Unsuccessful attempts to stop drinking
  • Drinking because of dependence rather than for stress relief
  • Increasing tolerance
  • Chronic hangovers
  • Gulping the first few drinks to feel the "buzz" faster
  • Sporadic loss of control
  • More frequent blackouts

Stage 3

The following list characterizes some of the physical effects of alcoholism that are commonly manifested by alcoholics during the third alcoholism stage:

  • The start of physical deterioration
  • Problems with the law (e.g., DUIs)
  • Increased tremors
  • Frequent violent or destructive behavior
  • Avoidance of family and friends
  • Eye-openers
  • A decrease in alcohol tolerance
  • Half-hearted attempts at seeking medical aid
  • The development of an alibi system - an elaborate system of excuses for their drinking

Stage 4

The following list represents some of the physical effects of alcoholism that are usually suffered by alcoholics in the fourth stage of alcoholism:

  • The breakdown of the alibi system
  • The "DTs"(delirium tremens)
  • Unreasonable resentments and hostility toward others
  • Continual loss of control
  • Benders, or lengthy intoxications
  • Loss of tolerance for alcohol
  • Auditory and visual hallucinations
  • "The shakes"
  • Moral deterioration
Alcoholism is a chronic, but treatable disease.

More Information on Alcoholism & Treatment