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."
The craving that an alcoholic feels for alcohol
can be as strong as the need for food or water. An alcoholic will continue
to drink despite serious family, health, or legal problems.
Like many other diseases, alcoholism is chronic,
meaning that it lasts a person's lifetime; it usually follows a
predictable course; and it has symptoms. The risk for developing
alcoholism is influenced both by a person's genes and by his or her
lifestyle.
