What is alcoholism? 

well rajani An alcoholic or a person with an alcohol problem is an excessive drinker who has become dependent on alcohol. This dependence may have affected physical and mental health. It may also have caused social problems which may be work related, marital difficulties or problems with the law. The dependence may lead to tolerance. This is where increasing amounts of alcohol are required to produce the desired effect.

After a period of time, blackouts or memory loss of what happened while drinking can occur. From then on, there is a steady downward decline. Problems with the family and work or trouble with the law may occur. Insomnia, depression, aggressive episodes and attempted suicide are possible. The damage to physical health can include serious liver problems (cirrhosis and alcohol hepatitis). There may be stomach problems and permanent damage to the brain, heart and nerves of the feet. If drinking is stopped abruptly a condition known as delirium tremens (the ``DTs'') may occur. This results in nausea and vomiting, shaking attacks, frightening hallucinations and fits. It is a serious condition and requires admission to hospital.

Answered by sanjay , an ibibo Guru, at 1:34 PM on March 06, 2008

Alcoholism refers to any condition that results in the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages despite the health problems.

Answered by Meera , an ibibo Master, at 11:47 PM on March 05, 2008

Alcoholism is a complex, many-sided phenomenon and its many formal definitions vary according to the point of view of the definer. A simplistic definition calls alcoholism a disease caused by chronic, compulsive drinking. Alcoholism is characterized by a preoccupation with alcohol and impaired control over alcohol intake. Alcoholism is a chronic, often progressive disease. Left untreated, alcoholism can be fatal.

Answered by MRIDUL BORA , an ibibo Master, at 9:18 PM on March 05, 2008

alcoholism refers to any condition that results in the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages despite the health problems and negative social consequences it causes.

Answered by Sudha , an ibibo Specialist, at 8:43 PM on March 05, 2008

Alcoholism is a disease in which a person drinks alcohol even though drinking hurts his or her life. Alcoholics often find that they have problems with people close to them, with school or work, and with other parts of their lives.

Answered by deepa iyer , an ibibo Advisor, at 8:24 PM on March 05, 2008

Alcoholism is an illness marked by drinking alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or occupational responsibilities.

Alcoholism is divided into 2 categories: dependence and abuse.

People with alcohol dependence, the most severe alcohol disorder, usually experience tolerance and withdrawal. Tolerance is a need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or the desired effect. Withdrawal occurs when alcohol is discontinued or intake is decreased. Alcohol dependents spend a great deal of time drinking alcohol, and obtaining it.

Alcohol abusers may have legal problems such as drinking and driving. They may also have problems with binge drinking (drinking 6 or more drinks at one sitting).

People who are dependent on or abuse alcohol continue to drink it despite evidence of physical or psychological problems. Those with dependence have more severe problems and a greater compulsion to drink.

Answered by Rekha , an ibibo Advisor, at 6:25 PM on March 05, 2008

Alcoholism refers to any condition that results in the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages despite the health problems and negative social consequences it causes. In short it is the adictive condition of the person towards alcohol. Alcoholism may also refer to a preoccupation with or compulsion toward the consumption of alcohol and/or an impaired ability to recognize the negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption.

Answered by Debopam , an ibibo Advisor, at 6:05 PM on March 05, 2008

alcoholism is a disease.
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.

Answered by Khursheed , an ibibo Master, at 5:58 PM on March 05, 2008

Alcoholism is a disease in which a person drinks alcohol even though drinking hurts his or her life. Alcoholics often find that they have problems with people close to them, with school or work, and with other parts of their lives.

Alcoholism can happen after a month or years of drinking. It is a disease that gets worse the more the person keeps drinking. Without treatment, it can destroy both emotional and physical health and can lead to death.

Alcoholism is often called a family disease because it hurts the lives of family members and others who are close to the alcoholic. For the alcoholic to get well, family members often must take part in treatment.

People with alcoholism:

Can be any age
May feel a physical need or craving for alcohol
Cannot be cured, but must get treated to stop drinking
Often don't think they have a drinking problem
Will develop serious health problems if the disease is not treated
Can recover and get back their lives, with treatment

Answered by anitaraizada , an ibibo Specialist, at 5:53 PM on March 05, 2008

Alcoholism is a term with multiple and sometimes conflicting definitions. In common and historic usage, alcoholism refers to any condition that results in the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages despite the health problems and negative social consequences it causes. Medical definitions describe alcoholism as a disease which results in a persistent use of alcohol despite negative consequences. Alcoholism may also refer to a preoccupation with or compulsion toward the consumption of alcohol and/or an impaired ability to recognize the negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption. Although not all of these definitions specify current and on-going use of alcohol as a qualifier, some do, as well as remarking on the long-term effects of consistent, heavy alcohol use, including dependence and symptoms of withdrawal.

Answered by keshto , an ibibo Master, at 5:39 PM on March 05, 2008