Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a cronic or periodic condition caused by the compulsive drinking of beverages. It is an insidious and progressive disease which, in its acute phase, can lead to irreversible damage of body tissue and eventual death.

The generally accepted definition of an alcoholic is: any person of no matter what age or sex whose compulsive drinking leads to an unability to hold a job or go to school, to maintain normal human relationships, and / or to take a responsible role in the community. Alcoholism is the most costly, the most wide spread and the most acute drug problem in the United State, claiming millions of victims and underlying a significant number of fatalities in automobile accidents.

Alcoholomania
Alcoholomania, a maniacal craving for intoxication by alcoholic beverages. In most cases, alcoholism is a condition of habituation; but sometimes it is addictive, like heroin. The victim will lie, rob, or steal, if necessary, to get his bottle of liquor at any cost. Maniacal symptoms may develop: excitement, elation, garrulousness, flight of ideas, and increased motor activity sometimes requiring restraint.


From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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, also referred to as dipsomania[1] in the 19th and early 20th centuries, 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.

While the ingestion of alcohol is, by definition, necessary to develop alcoholism, the use of alcohol does not predict the development of alcoholism. The quantity, frequency and regularity of alcohol consumption required to develop alcoholism varies greatly from person to person. In addition, although the biological mechanisms underpinning alcoholism are uncertain, some risk factors, including social environment, emotional health and genetic predisposition, have been identified.


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