Some people can drink alcohol without having any problems. A glass of wine with dinner or a few beers at a cookout or at a party may not be a problem. But for others, using alcohol lead to many problems. Other problems include arguing, yelling, crying, or even hitting after starting to drink. Alcoholics drink more and more alcohol, often without knowing it.
Some people drink so much that they pass out, which means they fall into a deep sleep.
People who live in a family with an alcoholic often have many different feelings. You may feel guilty, thinking that you somehow caused the drinking problem. You may feel scared or worried that something bad will happen as a result of the drinking. Money that may be needed to pay bills is spent on alcohol or drugs. Some kids feel embarrassed to ask friends over because of the alcoholic's behavior.