Alcoholism is defined as a dependence upon alcohol, either physical or psychological, and often both. While many individuals choose to use alcohol socially or in moderation, and while some even find themselves having consumed a bit much for comfort once in a while, alcoholics are unable to curtail their drinking behavior even when they have good physical or social reason to do so. Because alcoholism can be so detrimental to individual health, social dynamics and family well-being, several organizations have set forth criteria for determining whether an individual’s behavior is indicative of alcoholism.
Inability to Set Limits
According to MayoClinic.com, a primary distinguishing feature of alcoholics is that they’re not able to set limits, or to stick to those limits, when it comes to their drinking. They may drink at times or on days when it is inappropriate, they may drink more than they set out to, or they may simply continue to drink long past the point of intoxication. Regardless, Mayo notes, they’re driven by a strong compulsion to drink alcohol, and find that they can’t control their behavior.
Tolerance
Many drugs, of which alcohol is one, produce a physiological addiction over time. In the case of such an addiction, it takes more and more of the drug to produce the same feelings of well-being that smaller amounts of the drug were able to produce early on. This phenomenon is referred to as tolerance and necessitates that the drug user continue to procure the substance of choice in increasingly large quantities. Alcoholics, notes MayoClinic.com, show tolerance to alcohol. While a few drinks might have once produced a pleasant “buzz,” alcoholics no longer feel the effects of alcohol until they’ve had many drinks, and in fact, may not even feel “normal” unless they’ve been drinking.
Negative Life Consequences
Alcoholics Info, a website that provides criteria for alcoholism, notes that an alcoholic often experiences many negative life consequences as a result of drinking. These may include the disintegration of family relationships, loss of job, or DUI traffic citations. Regardless, alcoholics keep drinking despite these negative consequences, as they are compelled to seek alcohol regardless of the personal cost.
Withdrawal
Physical addiction to alcohol, as with many drugs, is a need for the drug in order for the body to function properly. MayoClinic.com notes that many alcoholics experience physical symptoms of withdrawal if they’re unable to drink alcohol regularly. These symptoms can include nausea, shaking, chills and inability to think clearly. In fact, for a habitual alcoholic, withdrawal symptoms can be quite serious, and may require medical treatment lest they cause harm.
