Alcoholism is a dependence on alcohol that is so severe that it negatively affects a person’s personal and work life.

It is one of the world’s most expensive drug problems, and it’s usually caused by social, environmental or genetic factors.

Alcohol abuse or alcoholism: Am I an Alcoholic?

Excessive drinking that has destructive consequences is called alcohol abuse or problem drinking. While alcohol abuse is damaging, the person affected is usually able to take others’ concern as constructive criticism and has the ability to learn from adverse experiences and reverse the cycle by setting limits.

Alcoholism or alcohol dependence, on the other hand, is usually chronic, meaning that the drinker is not able to control his or her behaviour regardless of detrimental consequences, and the condition won’t disappear on its own without treatment.
Alcoholic Information: Causes of Alcoholism
Alcoholism may be seen as an illness, or as an addiction to a drug. There are several possible risk factors.
• Causes of Alcoholism: Genetics and family history may predispose a person to alcoholism.

• Causes of Alcoholism: Regular drinking may cause chemical imbalances in the brain, exciting the nervous system, repressing the chemical that keeps impulsiveness in check and producing stress. Alcohol then releases happy chemicals in the brain, reducing stress, anxiety and guilt, making it an attractive option for a person attempting to feel better.

• Causes of Alcoholism: A history of other substance abuse predisposes a person to alcoholism.

• Causes of Alcoholism: Alcohol may be a way of attempting to forget about depression, low self esteem or emotional stress caused by distressing life events. Alcoholism has been linked to post-traumatic stress syndrome.

• Causes of Alcoholism: Excessive drinking is often encouraged and glamorised by the media or in social drinking situations.

Read More About Alcohol

Understanding Alcohol: Find out more about alcohol and its affects on the body.

Alcoholism - The Signs: Find out what to look for to see if someone you know is an alcoholic.

Alcohol: The Health Dangers: Understand the Health risks involved with heavy drinking.

Alcohol & Driving: Know your limits.

Drinking & Depression: Understand how drinking can cause depression in certain people.

Alcohol and Pregnancy: Information and advice on how much you can drink when pregnant and the health effects.

Alcohol & Family Life: How drinking can affect your family life, plus information on teenage drinking.