Alcoholism is characterized by a preoccupation with alcohol and impaired
control over alcohol intake. Alcoholism is
a chronic, often progressive
disease. Left untreated, alcoholism can be fatal. You may continue to abuse
alcohol despite serious adverse health, personal, work-related and financial
consequences. Alcoholism usually involves physical dependence on alcohol, but
genetic, psychological and social factors contribute to the
addiction as well. It''s
possible to have a problem with alcohol, but not display all the
characteristics of alcoholism. This is known as "alcohol abuse,"
which means you engage in excessive drinking that causes health or social
problems, but you aren''t dependent on alcohol and haven''t fully lost control
over the use of alcohol. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and
Drug Dependence, almost 18 million Americans abuse alcohol. Each year more than
100,000 Americans die of alcohol-related causes. Alcohol is a factor in nearly
half of all U.S.
traffic deaths. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse cause major social, economic and
public health problems. Various treatments are available, and self-help groups
can provide ongoing support for people recovering from alcoholism.