Call 1-877-331-3110 any time to discuss treatment options
Sponsored Links
My Addiction » Addiction Types » Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol Addiction

bottle in window

Alcohol addiction, or alcoholism, is characterized by a persistent, habitual use of alcohol, even when the alcoholic is aware of the harm being done. This is different than alcohol abuse.

Alcohol abuse vs alcoholism

Alcohol abuser
Drinks to get drunk. Drinks in social situations, often to excess; externally driven by peer pressure or circumstance; usually has periods of sobriety between binges or parties.
Alcoholic
Drinks to prevent withdrawal, to become ‘normal,’ and then gets drunk; drinks whether or not the situation calls for it and may seek out permissible circumstances, but will drink in any case; may have some sobriety but at great difficulty.
Call 1-877-398-4144 any time to discuss treatment options if you or a loved one needs help with an addiction.

It is not always possible to distinguish someone who abuses alcohol from an alcoholic. There are so-called, “high functioning” alcoholics who hold jobs and are able to maintain relationships. Some will point to these facts and deny they have a problem. This is why the first step in the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program is: “We have admitted we are powerless over alcohol and our lives had become unmanageable.”

Alcoholism as a disease

The number one predictor of who will become an alcoholic is a family history of alcoholism1 Those at most risk have an alcoholic parent or sibling. This implies a genetic component, or predisposition to addiction.

However, the story isn’t always so clear. Though there is ongoing research into an “alcoholic” gene, discovered2, this still does not explain all cases of alcoholism. Currently the disease of alcoholism is thought to be some combination of factors that include genetics, family influences, and societal values and standards.

In the disease model, alcoholism is treated as a chronic, progressive, and ultimately fatal disease. Treatment for alcoholism extends over a lifetime, much as it would be for diabetes or high blood pressure.

Alcoholism as a character flaw

While the disease model is prevalent, there is another viewpoint that stresses alcoholism as a disease of the will. The argument revolves around choice and whether addiction amounts to a loss of control or is the result of a lack of self control3.

Alcoholics Anonymous mentions alcoholism as “a disease of the spirit” and looks to reliance on a higher power as one of their 12 steps. Scientology runs treatment programs for addiction under the name Narconon, employing high dose vitamins and other techniques.

Addiction

The chief characteristic of alcohol addiction in either model is excessive craving and an inability to abstain from alcohol. The form doesn’t matter. Alcoholics may prefer beer, wine, or any other intoxicating beverage – the common ingredient is alcohol. The craving to drink has been compared to that for food when starving or water when dehydrated.

As the disease progresses, more and more of a person’s life becomes dedicated to drinking. Relationships fail, health deteriorates, and loss of employment occurs. Alcoholics put others at risk when they drive or operate machinery under the influence. Gradually, the health problems mount and death from liver failure is the predicted outcome. Fatty tissue builds up in the liver, constricting blood flow and eventually, the alcoholic drowns because of backed-up fluid in the lungs.

photo by Nyboer Creative

Dive Deeper

More Information


Call 1-877-398-5115 Anytime To Discuss Treatment Options

If you think that you or a loved one might have a problem with addiction, please call toll-free 1-877-398-5115 for treatment options.


Online Support Groups

SupportGroups.com is for individuals, friends and families who are looking to connect during life's challenging times. Share personal experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.

 

Find a Treatment Center Near You

Click on a state below to find addiction treatment options that could be right for you.

References

disclaimer

The information provided on MyAddiction.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of MyAddiction.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Please see our Legal Statement for further information.

More Information
Online Support Groups

SupportGroups.com

support groups

SupportGroups.com is for individuals, friends and families who are looking to connect during life's challenging times. Share personal experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.

 
Treatment Center Directory

Find a Treatment Center

If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction and need help entering into recovery then we are here to offer help in any way we can. We have over 14,000 Treatment Centers listed on our Directory. You can search by Zip Code, City or State. Click here to search for a Treatment Center that is right for you.

Why Did You Visit?
Why Did You Visit This Site?:
User login
Latest Addiction News
Latest Blog Entries
Did you know?

More than 100,000 U.S. deaths are caused by excessive alcohol consumption each year. Direct and indirect causes of death include drunk driving, cirrhosis of the liver, falls, cancer, and stroke.

More Quick Facts...