Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a powerful craving for alcohol which often results in the compulsive consumption of alcohol otherwise known as an addiction. The cause of this craving is heavily debated, but the most popular beliefs are that it is (1) a chemical or nutritional imbalance, (2) a genetic predisposition, (3) a neurological effect caused by runaway learning mechanisms, or (4) an inability to curb one's own desire for enjoyment. As a result, the etiology and nature of alcoholism are both currently being debated within the medical and scientific communities and the very definition of alcoholism is a part of that debate.

Alcoholism is often a controversial subject. Some believe it to be a biological disease, but the inability to tie it to a specific biological cause leads to much political debate.

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• 1 Alcoholism Terminology
  • 1.1 Psychological versus Physical Addiction
• 2 Effects of Alcoholism
  • 2.1 Long-term
  • 2.2 Social Effects
  • 2.3 Alcohol Withdrawal
• 3 Alcoholism Diagnosis
  • 3.1 Screening
  • 3.2 Blood tests
  • 3.3 The disease model
• 4 Alcoholism Treatments
  • 4.1 Rationing
  • 4.2 Detoxification
  • 4.3 Group Therapy and Psychotherapy
  • 4.4 Medications
  • 4.5 Pharmacological Extinction
  • 4.6 Nutritional therapy
  • 4.7 Return to normal drinking
• 5 Alcoholism Societal Impact
• 6 Alcoholism Politics and public health