What is alcoholism?

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, is a disease which often grows worse with symptoms that include a strong need to drink despite negative results, such as serious job, relationships, or health problems. Like many other diseases, it often follows a usual pattern, has recognized symptoms, and is impacted by the person's genetic makeup and environment. 

The four known symptoms are:

• Craving: The person has a strong need to drink.
• Impaired control: The person is unable to limit the drinking.
• Physical dependence: The person has withdrawal symptoms (nausea, sweating, shakiness, anxiety) when alcohol is stopped after a period of heavy drinking.
• Tolerance: Over time, the person must increase the amount of alcohol in order to feel its effects.

Does a person have to be alcoholic to experience problems from alcohol abuse? 

No. An alcoholic is dependent upon alcohol. This dependence grows as the disease progresses. A person who abuses alcohol may not be dependent upon it but still drinks excessively. Even if you are not an alcoholic, abusing alcohol has negative results. This includes failure to meet major work, school, or family responsibilities; alcohol-related legal trouble; automobile crashes due to drinking; as well as a variety of medical problems. Under some circumstances, problems can result from even moderate drinking--for example, when driving, during pregnancy, or when taking certain medicines.

Alcoholism is a disease and has no cure, but can be managed with medical treatment and social support groups. This means that even if an alcoholic has been sober for a long time and has regained health, he or she may relapse (return to drinking), and must continue to avoid alcohol. The most common and most effective way to combat alcohol abuse is through continued participation in a support group, with advice and support from a health care professional.

About Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is also an illness. The path to drug addiction begins with the act of taking drugs. Over time, a person's ability to choose not to take drugs becomes less and less. This in large part is a result of the effects of prolonged drug use on brain functioning, and thus on behavior. Addiction to drugs is characterized by compulsive, drug craving, seeking, and use that goes on even when it results in negative results. 

If you think you may have a drinking or drug abuse problem, talk to your doctor, a close friend, or a family member you trust. It is important to see the problem and get help. You can also contact the Columbus Health Department Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (see link below). Alcoholics Anonymous runs local support meetings and local phone numbers are in the phone book. It takes courage to admit you don’t have control over alcohol or drugs; asking for help is an important first step.

Source: National Women’s Health Information Center, US Dept. of HHS, Office of Women’s Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

For More Information

Prevention Council or Central Ohio www.Prevcouncil.org

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/

SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information www.health.org

Related Programs and Services

Columbus Public Health Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Program