While there is probably no greater incidence of alcoholism among police officers than any other occupational group, the problem is more severe in law enforcement because of the responsibilities of the police. Certain conditions of police work may contribute to alcoholism among offiers who are predisposed to the disease, including shift work, job stress, the need to suppress emotion, and social isolation. Some of the symptoms of officers' inability to control their drinking problem include increasing absenteeism; memory lapses; leaving work early; progressively lower work performance; and repeated accidents, particularly those involving vehicles. Two major physiological theories about alcoholism have been developed. The endocrine theory suggests that the onset of alcoholism is caused by a malfunction in the endocrine system, while the genetic theory links alcoholism to inherited traits. Psychological theories of alcoholism are also outlined. Physical effects of alcoholism include blackouts, alcohol tolerance, neurological problems, liver and heat disease, neuritis, and delirium tremens. A list of questions which identify signs of alcoholism is supplied.