For people above legal drinking age only
Don’t drink and drive
Don’t drink while pregnant
Addiction
Addiction
Helping people make informed choices about alcohol.
Addiction
Alcoholism is a disease
SUMMARY
Alcoholism is characterised by alcohol craving, loss of control, physical dependence, alcohol tolerance
Alcoholism is a chronic, often progressive, disease that's characterised by physical and psychological dependence on alcohol.
It's sometimes also known as alcohol dependence. Alcohol dependency may result from a genetic predisposition, mental illness, sustained heavy and abusive drinking or a combination of these factors.
Recent research in genetics and neuroscience has identified certain genetic characteristics that are believed to be related to alcohol dependence. Scientists are continuing to research the relationship between genetics and alcoholism.
There's no known cure for alcoholism, though many people can stay sober for the long term with commitment and effort. However, before people with alcoholism can start recovery, they have to admit that they have a drinking problem. Some people have very serious problems with alcohol without having all the signs and symptoms of alcoholism.
The warning signs
Here are some of the signs that someone might have a drinking problem
(it's not a complete list by any means).
Feeling a compulsion to drink
Needing to drink to feel good or normal
Being unable to limit how much they are drinking at any particular time
Losing interest in activities, hobbies or relationships
Needing to drink greater amounts of alcohol to feel the desired effect
Experiencing blackouts – forgetting what happened when they were drunk
Experiencing physical withdrawal
Drinking alone or hiding their drinking from others
If you do experience any of these signs or symptoms – or know someone else who does – please contact a doctor, healthcare professional or alcohol treatment organisation for help. Such professionals and organisations may assist with counselling, prescription medications and other support.
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- For people above legal drinking age only
- Don’t drink and drive
- Don’t drink while pregnant