What is alcoholism?

Alcoholism is also known as “alcohol dependence.” It is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as losing a job or getting into trouble with the law. Alcoholism includes four symptoms:

• Cravings--A strong need, or compulsion, to drink.
• Impaired Control--The inability to limit one’s drinking on any given occasion.
• Physical Dependence--Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking.
• Tolerance--The need for increasing amounts of alcohol in order to feel its effects.

Withdrawal Symptoms

<Shakes (Tremors)><Sweats (Diaphoresis)><Nausea Vomiting><Anxiety><Irregular Pulse><Elevated Blood Pressure><Confusion><Agitation><Convulsions><Delirium-Tremons>