Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction is commonly referred to as alcoholism or alcohol dependency. The National Institute on Alcohol Addiction and Alcoholism define alcoholism as "a primary, chronic disease characterized by impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking."

Risk factors for alcohol addiction include the age of onset of drinking and although not completely proven scientifically, it is believed that genetic play a role. Its also been determined that environment in which a child is raised may have a larger factor in the individual who becomes alcohol dependent than any other factor. If the child has one or more parents in the home who are alcohol abusers or alcohol dependent then there is a greater chance that he/she may become alcohol dependent.  The age of onset of drinking also weighs some...the early the onset of drinking, the more likely the individual will become dependent on alcohol.

Addiction to Alcohol can be detrimental to the addict and their loved ones. Alcoholism or alcohol dependence is a disease that produces a powerful craving for alcohol, regardless of damaging costs to the individual mentally, physically and/or socially. Alcohol abuse, which can lead to alcoholism or alcohol dependency, is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one's health, and relationships. Addiction to Alcohol can start at any stage in a person's life. So, it is very important to seek help if you believe that you or your loved one is suffering from this disease.

There are a number of ways you can tell if you or a loved one has an Alcohol Addiction: The uncontrolable need for Alcohol to subside physical cravings or to feel the effect of it.  Mental and Physical dependency are normally present. Interference with an individuals ability to perform normal every day duties such as work or school, or the inability to maintain a healthy relationship with family, friends and loved ones. Tolerance level increases to reach the results they are looking for and denial about how the amount of alcohol consumed.These symptoms can vary from individual to individual but the person with three or more symptoms should seriously consider examining themselves to see if they could possibly be alcohol dependent. It is very important to seek out help if you or a loved one believes there could be a problem of alcohol addiction!