Abnormal alcohol seeking characterized by loss of control over drinking and accompanied by physiological effects of tolerance and withdrawal. go to glossary index
Also known as "alcohol dependence syndrome," a disease characterized by the following elements: 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."
an intense persistent desire to drink alcoholic beverages to excess
Dependence on alcohol to the extent of causing physical, familial, social and/or occupational problems.
A chronic, long term illness where repetive drinking of alcohol at varying frequencies occur. A person must have alcohol-created problems in two of the the following categories in order to be ...
An illness marked by consumption of alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with physical or mental health, and social, family, or occupational responsibilities.
A condition in which the consumption of alcohol has produced major psychological, physical, social, or occupational problems” ( Levinthal, 197).
A disease characterized by excessive and habitual drinking of alcoholic beverages, that causes the alcoholic, physical, psychological, and social harm.
A disease marked by loss of control of drinking, physical dependence on alcohol, tolerance for the effects of alcohol, and cravings for alcohol.
A disease characterized by the excessive comsumption of and dependence on alcohol, potentially leading to physical and psychological dysfunction.
Chronic, excessive and compulsive drinking that typically interferes with social or economic functioning. Alcoholism adversely affects the health of the alcoholic, particularly in the nervous and gastrointestinal systems.
continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks; a chronic, progressive, potentially fatal, psychological and nutritional disorder associated with excessive and usu. compulsive drinking of ethanol and characterized by frequent intoxication leading to dependence on or addiction to the substance, impairment of the ability to work and socialize, destructive behaviors (as drunken driving), tissue damage (as cirrhosis of the liver), and severe withdrawal symptoms upon detoxification
1. The illness of any person who becomes ill physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually from drinking alcohol. 2. A disease characterized by drinking alcohol routinely, such as daily or on repeated binges, craving alcohol obsessively, yet believing that you are in control of this drinking habit. 3. An allergy (physical) coupled with the compulsion (mental) to drink alcohol. The inability to stop drinking, no matter the consequence. Displayed behavior includes "going to any length to drink alcohol," which can be characterized by insanity and inability to manage the rest of one’s life. Physical, emotional and mental breakdowns. Relationships suffer immensely. 4. A disease during which your mind and body constantly crave alcohol, even when you know it isn't good for you. The person who has this disease is often the last to realize it. The symptoms show in our conduct: -- what we do, and what we don't do. Nobody has figured out how one gets it, but once you have it, you always have it. The treatment -- total abstinence and a complete character change.
A primary chronic disease influenced by genetic predisposition, psychosocial, environmental and cultural factors. The alcoholic who chooses to drink does so because of a complex interaction between these factors.
Alcoholism can be defined by its symptoms. These include loss of control or intermittent control over drinking; continued use of alcohol despite negative consequences; impaired emotions; distorted cognitive judgment and preoccupation with drinking and all that surrounds it. Denial of problems with alcohol is emblematic of the condition. Although nobody knows for certain, it is generally agreed that biological predisposition, environment and individual temperament influence the development and manifestation of alcoholism. Many people believe that alcoholism is a disease because of its possible causes, symptoms, and course of development. Others believe that it is a habit that is amenable to behavioral and cognitive control. Alcoholism is often progressive and sometimes fatal if left untreated, although individuals vary widely in their responses over time.
A cluster of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that develop after repeated substance misuse and that typically include a strong desire to take the drug, difficulties in controlling its use, persisting in its use despite harmful consequences, a higher priority given to its use than other activities and obligations, increased tolerance, and sometimes a physical withdrawal state. (World Health Organisation definition)
means alcohol dependence or alcohol abuse meeting the criteria as stated in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV for these disorders.
A disease that results in chronic alcohol abuse. Alcoholism can cause early death from diseases of the brain, liver, and heart.
A chronic illness evidenced by compulsive, repeated drinking that injures one's health and social and economic functioning.
Alcoholism is a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal.
The condition characterized by a person’s inability to control or stop drinking. Addiction or dependence upon the drug alcohol.
A disease or illness that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as losing a job or getting into trouble with the law. Symptoms include craving, impaired control, physical dependence, and increased tolerance.
A condition resulting from the inordinate or persistent use of alcoholic beverages.
A disease in which there's a craving for alcohol and continued drinking despite alcohol-related problems, such as legal trouble. It's also characterized by impaired control over your drinking, a physical dependence on alcohol, and alcohol tolerance — requiring increasing amounts of alcohol to feel its effects.
chronic disorder characterized by dependence on alcohol
A disease characterized by the excessive consumption of and dependence on alcoholic beverages, which could lead to physical and psychological harm and could impair social and vocational functioning.
Physical dependence on alcohol to the extent that stopping alcohol use will bring on withdrawal symptoms. In popular and therapeutic parlance, the term may also be used to refer to ingrained drinking habits that cause health or social problems. Treatment requires first ending the physical dependence, then making lifestyle changes that help the individual avoid relapse . In some cases, medication or hospitalization are needed. Alcohol dependence can have many serious effects on the brain , liver , and other organs of the body. See the entire definition of Alcoholism
A mental and/or physical condition, which is wholly or mostly due to alcohol abuse.
A disease in which a person is dependent upon alcohol.
an illness that causes people to become dependent on alcohol because of changes in the brain
Alcoholism is the consumption of or preoccupation with alcoholic beverages to the extent that this behavior interferes with the alcoholic's normal personal, family, social, or work life. The chronic alcohol consumption caused by alcoholism can result in psychological and physiological disorders. Alcoholism is one of the world's most costly drug use problems; with the exception of nicotine addiction, alcoholism is more costly to most countries than all other drug use problems combined.