What is alcoholism?

Alcoholism has multiple and conflicting definitions. In common and historic usage, alcoholism is any condition that results in the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages, despite health problems and negative social consequences. Modern medical definitions describe alcoholism as a disease and addiction which results in a persistent use of alcohol despite negative consequences. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, alcoholism, also referred to as dipsomania described 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 for alcoholism, 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, stress, mental health, genetic predisposition, age, ethnicity and gender have been identified. Also, studies indicate that the proportion of men with alcohol dependence is higher than the proportion of women, 7% and 2.5% respectively, although women are more vulnerable to long-term consequences of alcoholism. Around 90% of adults in United States consume alcohol, and more than 700,000 of them are treated daily for alcoholism. Professor David Zaridze, who led the international research team, calculated that alcohol had killed three million Russians since 1987.

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Alcoholism facts - important facts of alcoholism you should know

Alcoholism facts are important to know since alcoholism is a type of drug addiction. Alcoholism facts include facts of alcoholism such as - physical and psychological dependence can exist with this addiction.

Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system. This can lead to a decrease of activity, anxiety, tension and inhibitions.

A fact of alcoholism is that alcohol affects other body systems as well. Gastrointestinal tract irritation can happen with erosion of the esophagus and stomach linings, causing nausea, vomiting and even bleeding.

Additional alcoholism facts are that vitamins will not be absorbed properly, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies if alcohol use continues. Liver disease may develop and can lead to cirrhosis.

The muscles of the heart may be affected. Sexual dysfunction may occur in men causing problems with erections and women can cease having monthly periods.

Here are more alcoholism facts:

• Alcohol and caffeine are the two most widely abused substances in the world.

• Alcoholism is divided into two broad categories - abuse and dependence.

Dependency is the most serious condition since the person needs higher quantities of alcohol to achieve intoxication. Also, if alcohol is reduced or stopped, a dependent alcoholic will experience withdrawal symptoms.

• A person's alcohol use is primarily influenced by attitudes developed during the first 20 years of life. The parent's attitudes and behaviors toward drinking, peer influence, society and family relationships all can impact one's attitudes toward drinking alcohol.

• Alcohol abuse and dependency and related problems are increasing. About 15% of the population in the United States are problem drinkers. Approximately 5% to 10% of male drinkers and 3% to 5% of female drinkers could be diagnosed as alcohol dependent - this means about 12 million people in the USA alone.

• About 20% of teens are "problem drinkers." Problem drinking can result in getting drunk, having accidents related to alcohol use, or getting into trouble with the law, family members, friends or school due to alcohol use.

• The effects of alcohol appear within 10 minutes and peak at about 40 to 60 minutes. Alcohol stays in the bloodstream until the liver can break it down. If alcohol is consumed faster than it can be broken down by the liver, the blood alcohol concentration level rises.

• Alcoholism facts include the reality that each state has its own legal definition for alcohol intoxication. Intoxication is defined by blood alcohol concentration. The maximum legal limit usually falls between 0.08 and 0.10 in most states.

Often those closest to an alcoholic find it difficult to see and acknowledge that someone they know and care about can be an alcoholic. They may believe the promises that the alcoholic keeps making. However, with time, repeated breaking of these promises can force those living with the alcoholic to face the truth.

If you or someone you know have felt like this, it is certainly possible to be freed from the compulsion to drink. Do not feel discouraged and that help does not exist - help DOES exist in various ways.

From Alcoholics Anonymous local groups to counselors to clergy to self-help books, you can choose from a variety of sources to obtain help with alcohol addiction. And learn more on this website about additional alcoholism facts that help provide a better understanding of the warning signs, treatments and effects of alcoholism.

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