Alcoholism
Definition
Alcoholism is a chronic physical, psychological, and behavioral disorder characterized by excessive use of alcoholic beverages; emotional and physical dependence on them; increased tolerance over time of the effects of alcohol; and withdrawal symptoms if the person stops drinking.
Description
Alcoholism is a complex behavioral as well as medical disorder. It often involves the criminal justice system as well as medicine and other helping professions. Its emergence in an individual's life is affected by a number of variables ranging from age, weight, sex, and ethnic background to his or her family history, peer group, occupation, religious preference, and many other categories. Moreover, persons diagnosed with alcoholism may demonstrate considerable variety in their drinking...
[The entire page is 5301 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
