Alcoholism - The Facts

Alcoholism is a disease that is characterized by the following 4 factors:

Craving: A strong need, or compulsion, to drink.

Loss of control: The frequent inability to stop drinking once a person has begun.

Physical dependence: The occurrence of withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking. These symptoms are usually relieved by drinking alcohol or by taking another sedative drug.

Tolerance: The need for increasing amounts of alcohol in order to get "high."

Alcoholism has little to do with what kind of alcohol one drinks, how long one has been drinking, or even exactly how much alcohol one consumes. Alcoholism has more to do with a person's uncontrollable need or desire to drink no matter how bad the consequences of their drinking have become.

This description of alcoholism helps us understand why most alcoholics can't just "use a little willpower" to stop drinking. He or she is frequently in the grip of a powerful craving for alcohol, a need that can feel as strong as the need for food or water.

While some people are able to recover without help, the majority of alcoholic individuals need outside assistance to recover from their disease. With support and treatment, many individuals are able to stop drinking and successfully rebuild their lives.

Many people wonder: Why can some individuals use alcohol without problems, while others are utterly unable to control their drinking? Recent research supported by NIAAA has demonstrated that for many people, a vulnerability to alcoholism is inherited.

Whether alcoholism runs in your family or not, it’s important to recognize that aspects of a person's environment, such as peer influences and the availability of alcohol, also are significant influences. Both inherited and environmental influences contribute to one’s alcoholism.

It is also important to know that not all of the above 4 factors of alcoholism need to be present at the same time to indicate a problem with alcohol. Alcoholism is a progressive illness that will only get worse if not treated.

If you or someone you know is concerned about a drinking problem,
call toll free: 1-800 851-0376 for a free assessment & referral service. All calls are free and confidential.