The Definition of Alcoholism and How to Spot It

Alcohol is the most widely abused drug, and while it poses a serious public health problem throughout the world, this is especially true in the United States. It has been estimated that more than one in ten American adults at some point in their lives experience problems with alcohol dependence, and this figure is particularly high for men, at one in five. It is difficult to say with accuracy exactly what percentage of the population suffers from alcoholism, partly due to the fact that there is some dispute over the criteria for applying that term, as well as the fact that many alcoholics are never formally labeled as such. The precise statistics concerning alcohol are of little concern, however, to the friends and family members of an alcoholic: what matters the most to them is helping the person they care about to put an end to the drinking problem and make a fresh start in life.

What is the definition of alcoholism?

As mentioned above, there is some dispute over the exact definition of alcoholism, but there are certain basic elements of the condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the characteristics of alcoholism include:

●       Powerful alcohol cravings

●       Ongoing use of alcohol in spite of chronic physical, mental, or interpersonal problems

●       Inability to place limits on one’s levels of drinking

In addition to the above elements, the Mayo Clinic describes alcohol as being a disease which is characterized by a preoccupation with alcohol, physical dependence which manifests as a need to drink increasing amounts to achieve the same effect, experiencing withdrawal symptoms upon stopping drinking, as well as an inability to predict or limit the quantity, duration, or consequences of drinking.

Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism

To a large degree, the signs that a person is an alcoholic are similar to its characteristics. Alcoholism is typically recognized by the behavior of the alcoholic, rather than being diagnosed by a scientific test. The loss of ability to restrain oneself from taking the next drink, or to refrain from getting started drinking in the first place, is one of the most glaring indicators of a drinking problem. Most people who drink on a regular basis know their limits and at some point will put the bottle away or turn down an offered drink, but an alcoholic will often just keep on drinking. Further, alcoholics tend to develop a tolerance to the drug, so that they have to drink progressively greater quantities in order to feel the same effects. Further, while alcohol is normally consumed in social settings such as at parties, restaurants or bars, alcoholics tend to start drinking alone, and they will often take measures to conceal the fact of drinking, such as by hiding bottles in secret places at home or at work, and by making up excuses to sneak off and have a drink. Worse, an alcoholic will often develop rituals for drinking, and is prone to becoming irritated when the schedule is interrupted or questioned. Blacking out while drunk, which is characterized by engaging in conversations and activities which are not remembered later, is a common sign that a person is an alcoholic, as is experiencing withdrawal symptoms including nausea, sweating and shaking when it has been a while since the last drink. Another hallmark of an alcoholic is that you may notice that he or she no longer seems normal until having a few drinks; rather than getting drunk, the person simply starts to seem like their usual self. These are only a few of the common signs of alcoholism. The most important question to ask yourself or someone you care about and who you fear may be an alcoholic is, “Do you feel like you can stop?” If the answer is, “No,” your next question should be, “Do you want help in quitting?”