Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a broad term with a long history of use and variable meanings. It is generally taken to refer to a pattern of consumption of alcohol that is characterized by impaired control over drinking and preoccupation with alcohol use despite the impact on the drinker's health and personal and social relationships. Imprecise use of this term leads to a World Health Organisation Expert Committee discouraging the use of the term alcoholism in favor of the term alcohol dependence syndrome. The term alcohol dependence is typically used in medical and academic literature in place of the term alcoholism.

According to standard diagnostic tools, alcohol dependence is a maladaptive pattern of alcohol use. It is characterized by symptoms such as tolerance (the need for increased amounts of alcohol to produce intoxication and/or significantly reduced effects of alcohol with continued use of the same amount of alcohol); withdrawal (cessation of alcohol use leading to symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and/or hand tremors); use of alcohol in larger amounts than intended or over a longer period of time than intended; continuing desire, or unsuccessful attempts to reduce or control alcohol use; resignation or reduction in social, occupational, or recreational activities due to alcohol use; and/or continued use of alcohol despite knowing of persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problems that are likely to be caused by or worsened by alcohol use.

Alcohol dependence is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Alcohol consumption has been shown to be the fourth leading behavioral cause of death in the United States, following tobacco use, poor diet, and lack of physical activity. This entry provides an overview of alcoholism (referred to as alcohol dependence), specifically highlighting its prevalence, known causes, and the physical, psychiatric, and social effects of alcohol dependence. Treatments for alcohol dependence will also be discussed.