Alcoholism

OTC and Prescription Drug Abuse Slideshow

• Alcoholism Overview
• Alcoholism Causes
• Alcoholism Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Alcoholism Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Related alcohol abuse articles:
  Alcohol abuse - on WebMD
  Alcohol abuse - on MedicineNet

Alcoholism Overview

Alcohol problems vary in severity from mild to life threatening and affect the individual, the person's family, and society in numerous adverse ways. Despite all of the focus on drugs such as cocaine, alcohol remains the number one drug problem in the United States. According to community surveys, over 13% of adults in the United States will experience alcohol abuse or dependence (also referred to as alcoholism) at some point in their lives.

Withdrawal, for those physically dependent on alcohol, is much more dangerous than withdrawal from heroin or other narcotic drugs.

• Alcohol abuse refers to excessive or problematic use with one or more of the following:
  
  
  • Failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home
    
    
  • Recurrent use in situations where it is hazardous (such as driving a car or operating machinery)
    
    
  • Legal problems
    
    
  • Continued use of alcohol despite having social, family, or interpersonal problems caused by or worsened by drinking

• Alcohol dependence refers to a more serious disorder and involves excessive or maladaptive use leading to 3 or more of the following:
  
  
  • Tolerance changes (need for more to achieve desired effect, or achieving the effect with lesser amounts of alcohol)
    
    
  • Withdrawal symptoms following a reduction or cessation of drinking (such as sweating, rapid pulse, tremors, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, or seizures) or using alcohol to avoid withdrawal symptoms (for example, early morning drinking)
    
    
  • Drinking more alcohol or drinking over a longer period of time than intended (loss of control)
    
    
  • Inability to cut down or stop
    
    
  • Spending a great deal of time drinking or recovering from its effects
    
    
  • Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities
    
    
  • Continuing to drink despite knowing alcohol use has caused or worsened problems