Understanding Alcoholism: Symptoms, Causes & Recovery

Alcoholism is not simple alcohol abuse--the act of drinking excessively. It represents a full-bore disease, in which the patient suffers a physical craving for alcohol. Recovery means learning to control those cravings and replace them with healthier alternatives.

Causes

• Alcoholism can stem from genetic predisposition, emotional trauma, social tolerance or high amounts of stress. In some cases, a number of factors combine in a single patient to create alcoholism.

Drinking to Excess

• Alcoholism means often drinking to excess, as well as developing a tolerance so that you need greater quantities of alcohol to attain the same effect.

Secrecy

• Alcoholics often drink in secret, hiding liquor in unusual places and telling lies to cover up their drinking.

Withdrawal

• When an alcoholic stops drinking, he often suffers from withdrawal symptoms, such as vomiting, tremors and excessive sweating.

Recovery

• Recovery starts with confronting the extent of the problem and taking responsibility for it. Therapy, rehab centers and 12-step programs can then help the alcoholic recover from her condition.