What is Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Alcoholism

Alcoholism is also known as "alcohol dependence." It is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as losing a job or getting into trouble with the law. Alcoholism includes four symptoms:

• Craving A strong need or compulsion to drink.
• Tolerance The need for increasing the amount in order to feel its effects.
• Impaired control The inability to limit one's drinking on any given occasion.
• Dependence Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shakiness and anxiety, when alcohol use is stopped after heavy drinking.