"This weekend my girlfriend actually blacked out from drinking too much. Is that a sign she’s an alcoholic?"

It is unclear if your friend has an addiction. However, most health experts would say that drinking to the point of passing out is very dangerous and life threatening. As a friend, I would be very concerned too. There are a number of short-term consequencesassociated with drinking too much alcohol, including any number of risks such as drunk driving and physical harm. It’s not always easy to see signs and symptoms related to alcoholism. While there is no single warning sign for alcohol abuse, some signs of a possible problem include:

• She gets drunk on a regular basis.
• She drinks when she is alone.
• She shows up at school drunk or she has skipped class to drink.
• She needs alcohol to have a good time or cope with everyday life.
• She plans for alcohol use in advance.
• She starts hanging out with new friends who will drink with her or can score for her.
• She lies about drinking.
• She pressures you or others to drink.
• She has broken plans with you, or showed up late, because she was drunk.
• She lacks interest in previously enjoyed activities or hobbies (e.g., sports, hobbies).
• She has driven a car while drunk or high.
• She borrows or steals money to buy alcohol.

Read more about the risks of alcohol in the Drug Facts section.