Alcoholism

A syndrome of chronic substance dependence characterized by either tolerance to alcohol or development of withdrawal symptoms on cessation of, or reduction in, alcohol intake. Other aspects of the syndrome are psychological dependence and impairment in social and/or vocational functioning. Vulnerability to alcoholism may have a genetic basis.

A chronic illness manifested by repeated drinking that produces injury to one’s health or to social or economic functioning.

Addiction to alcohol, which can lead to deterioration in physical and psychological health, family life, and social position.

An uncontrollable craving for alcohol which may take a number of forms for satisfying the craving.

A chronic disease manifested by repeated drinking of alcoholic beverages in excess of the dietary and social uses and norms of the community and to an extent that interferes with the drinker’s health, or his social or economic functioning. The definition of alcoholism in both theory and practice is highly variable: sometimes requiring only excessive drinking or interference with the drinker’s functioning rather than both; sometimes requiring, in addition to the above, physical signs of drug dependence, or being recognized as present without either. There are many, variable systems for separating different types of alcoholism and grading its severity.

Excessive drinking of alcohol which becomes addictive.

Disease in which a person is physically and psychologically dependent upon alcohol.

An addictive disease with strong genetic factors concerning the excessive consumption of ethanol.

Chronic condition in which alcoholic drinks are taken to excess, leading to a breakdown in health and inability to function properly; dependence on, or addiction to, alcoholic beverages such that abrupt deprivation leads to withdrawal symptoms. Alcoholism may occur at any age; its cause is unknown, but hereditary and biochemical as well as cultural and psychosocial factors are believed to play important roles. The consequences of alcoholism include impaired intellectual functioning, physical skills, memory, and judgment; peripheral abnormalities in nerve function; esophageal and gastrointestinal problems, impaired liver function, sometimes leading to cirrhosis of the liver, and damage to the heart muscle. Impaired emotional, social, and often economic/professional functioning also affects the self, family, and community. Alcoholism in pregnant women is also thought to damage the growth and development of the fetus (fetal alcohol syndrome). Acute withdrawal symptoms include tremor, anxiety, hallucinations, and in severe cases delirium tremens. Treatment includes psychotherapy, often in groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, and the use of certain drugs like Antabuse that cause vomiting if alcohol is ingested, alcoholic.

A disorder involving addiction to alcohol and characterized by tolerance (the need to consume increasingly larger amounts of alcohol to feel its effects) to increasing amounts of alcohol, or by physical symptoms if alcohol is withdrawn, or both.

The syndrome due to physical dependence on alcohol, such that sudden deprivation may cause withdrawal symptoms: tremor, anxiety, hallucinations, and delusions. The risk of alcoholism for an individual and its incidence in a society depend on the amount drunk. Countries such as France, where heavy drinking is socially acceptable, have the highest incidence. Usually several years’ heavy drinking is needed for addiction to develop, but the range is from one to 40 years. Alcoholism impairs intellectual function, physical skills, memory, and judgment: social skills, such as conversation, are preserved until a late stage. Heavy consumption of alcohol also causes ‘cardiomyopathy, peripheral ‘neuritis, ‘cirrhosis of the liver, and enteritis. Treatment is usually given in a psychiatric hospital, where the alcoholic is first ‘dried out’ and then helped to understand the psychological pressures that led to his heavy drinking. Drugs such as ‘disulfiram(Antabuse), which cause vomiting if alcohol is taken, may help in treatment.

Chronic dependence on the use of alcohol which leads to interference with health and to social and economic problems. Withdrawal of alcohol from a person with alcoholism leads to psychological and physical symptoms.

A chronic, frequently progressive and sometimes fatal disease marked by impaired control over alcohol use despite adverse effects from its consumption. Dependence on alcohol, tolerance of its effects, and remissions and relapses are common. Psychological features include preoccupation with alcohol use and denial of addiction, even when evidence to the contrary exists.

A chemical dependence on (an addiction to) alcohol that causes physical, mental, emotional, social, and economic damage to the alcoholic’s life and the lives of those close to him or her.

A disease that causes a person to lose control of his or her drinking behavior; a physical and emotional addiction to alcohol.

A disease in which the person is addicted to alcohol.