Definition of Alcoholism

There are many definitions of alcoholism. The most common definition of alcoholism is that" alcoholism is a horrible disease that affects the whole person. However this definition is applicable to cancer or other dreadful disease. Alcoholism can not be defined simply as a disease caused due to prolonged consumption of alcohol. The amount and frequency of drinking will determine alcoholism.

A correct definition of alcoholism is that it is a chronic disorder characterized by some loss of control over drinking. Drinking more frequently and at inappropriate times will indicate alcoholism. Alcoholism is a common term for two disorders. They are alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence.

The medical definition of alcoholism describes alcoholism as a disease caused due to continuous consumption of alcohol. The quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption required to develop alcoholism will vary from person to person.

Alcoholism is related with some other terms also. They include use, misuse, heavy use, abuse and dependence. Use is a term which simply refers to a person who drinks any alcoholic products. Misuse and heavy use do not have any standard definitions. Heavy use of alcohol will vary from person to person depending upon the age, alcohol brand and so on.

Alcohol abuse is one of the serious problems which will cause poor nutrition, memory loss, difficulty in walking and liver diseases. It will also lead to mental stress, depression, fatigue, employment problems, family problems etc. Alcohol abuse will also lead the drinker in some legal problems at some point in his life. The drinker will continue to drink at this stage irrespective of his health and family problems.

Addiction to alcohol will cause alcohol dependence. Alcohol dependence will cause social and work related problems. The drinker will experience the problems of shaking, sweating and nausea when he tries to stop drinking at this stage. Alcohol dependence will show some of the following symptoms:

1. Changes in tolerance level.
2. The drinker will take more alcohol to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
3. He will lose control over drinking.
4. He may spend more time in drinking and will recover from it only after long period of time.
5. He will lose interest in social and recreational activities.
6. He will continue to drink though he knows the adverse effects of drinking.

Definition of alcoholism explains the effects of this problem. Alcoholism will lead most of the alcoholics drinking heavily than the normal amount. Loss of control will happen in this stage. In fact loss of control is a clear symptom of alcoholism. As the drinker continues to drink, his body will get increased tolerance towards alcohol. Therefore the drinker will not get full content by consuming the regular amount of alcohol. He will require drinking more. Withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating and shaking will also appear.

Alcohol problems will vary from person to person. The severity of alcoholism will also vary from drinker to drinker. Some may experience life threatening problems. Liver dysfunction, brain disorders etc will also occur. Rightly said, alcoholism is a horrible disease. However it is possible to avoid the disease. The willingness of the drinker to quit drinking is a must for getting rid of alcoholism.