What is Alcohol Dependence or Alcoholism?
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence or alcohol addiction, is a chronic disease with four primary symptoms: • Craving: A strong need or compulsion to drink • Loss of control: The inability to limit one’s drinking on any given occasion. • Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking. • Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol over time in order to get high. Oftentimes, people state that they cannot possibly be alcoholics because they hold professional jobs and take care of most adult responsibilities. However, these folks may be considered high functioning alcoholics.
