Alcoholism Getting the Facts: NIAAA (Excerpt) Alcoholism, also known as “alcohol dependence,” is a disease that includes four symptoms: • Craving: A strong need, or compulsion, to drink. • Loss of control: The inability to limit one’s drinking on any given occasion. • Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking. • Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to “get high.” People who are not alcoholic sometimes do not understand why an alcoholic can’t just “use a little willpower” to stop drinking.
However, alcoholism has little to do with willpower. Alcoholics are in the grip of a powerful “craving,” or uncontrollable need, for alcohol that overrides their ability to stop drinking. This need can be as strong as the need for f ood or water. (Source: excerpt from Alcoholism Getting the Facts: NIAAA)


Alcoholism Getting the Facts: NIAAA (Excerpt)

How can you tell whether you may have a drinking problem?
Answering the following four questions can help you find out:

• Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
• Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
• Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
• Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning (as an “eye opener”) to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?


One “yes” answer suggests a possible alcohol problem. If you answered “yes” to more than one question, it is highly likely that a problem exists. In either case, it is important that you see your doctor or other health care provider right away to discuss your answers to these questions. He or she can help you determine whether you have a drinking problem and, if so, recommend the best course of action. (Source: excerpt from Alcoholism Getting the Facts: NIAAA)