A chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking and preoccupation with alcohol.
Alcoholism is the inability to control drinking due to both a physical and emotional dependence on alcohol.
Symptoms include a strong need or urge to use alcohol. Those with alcohol use disorder may have problems controlling their drinking, continue to use alcohol even when it causes problems, or have withdrawal symptoms when they rapidly decrease or stop drinking.
Symptoms:
- Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol consumed
- Desire to cut down the amount you drink or making unsuccessful attempts to do so
- Spending a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol, or recovering from alcohol use
- Compulsive alcohol use, drinking more than intended
- Loss of control over alcohol intake
- Negative emotional state when not using
- interferes with taking care of home, family, job, or school
- Feeling a strong craving or urge to drink alcohol
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms