What is Alcoholism
From the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, is a disease that includes the following four symptoms:
- Craving – A strong need, or urge, to drink.
- Loss of control – Not being able to stop drinking once drinking has begun.
- Physical dependence – Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety after stopping drinking.
- Tolerance – The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to get "high."
From The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD)
Alcoholism is a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by continuous or periodic: impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial.