According to the NIAAA National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism alcoholism is a disease which must include the following four components:

a strong urge or craving for alcohol

the inability to stop drinking once the person starts

a physiological dependence on alcohol which may include tremors sweating nausea and feelings of anxiety when drinking stops

a tolerance for alcohol the person needs increasing amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired effect

Sadly alcoholism affects millions of people. Not only does it significantly impact the alcoholic himself but it also seriously impacts the person's loved ones and close friends as well. Families are torn apart every day by this insidious addiction. It often leads to divorce abusive behavior job loss and financial ruin. Over time it can also seriously impact the person's health leading to a multitude of medical problems and for some death.

On the surface it may appear to be a simple problem drinking more than one should. But alcoholism is far more complex than that. While many of us experience cravings at times for various foods or drinks without having any serious or negative consequences the alcoholic feels driven to drink in a way which is impossible to control. And the consequences can be very severe.

Alcohol abuse often starts as an attempt to experience a pleasurable feeling and / or push aside any bad feelings or pain. However over time it will take more and more alcohol to get that same good feeling. Additionally more and more of the person's time will be devoted to drinking. The good feeling one obtains from drinking alcohol won't last as long and will often be replaced with depression or irritability. This typically makes the person only want to drink even more and a vicious cycle develops.

Unfortunately when a person is having problems with alcohol they may not even realize it. Many people consider themselves to be social drinkers even if they drink very regularly. They mistakenly believe that they can stop drinking at any time they choose. It is not uncommon for them to be unaware that they have lost control. Sometimes this is not evident until they find that they are devoting most of their time to drinking while neglecting all other aspects of their lives. Work family friends hobbies and even their health become increasingly neglected. In fact others often see the problem long before the alcoholic does.

If you drink alcohol on a regular basis there are many telltale signs that you have a serious problem. These include:

hiding your drinking from others

drinking in the morning or early in the day

feeling guilty after drinking

trying multiple times to stop only to find that you are unable to do so

making excuses for your drinking or blaming others

suffering from blackouts having times when you don't remember what you did while you were drinking

engaging in potentially dangerous behaviors when intoxicated such as driving or having casual sex with multiple partners

spending more and more time drinking while neglecting other aspects of your life

finding that others are telling you that you have a problem should cut back or need to stop

Any of these are indicators that it is time to get help. The longer you wait the more difficulty you are going to have when you finally decide to address the problem. It can be very difficult to attain sobriety but the longer you drink the harder it may be to succeed when you do seek help.

Alcoholism is believed by many to be a chronic illness which may be influenced by several factors including your genetic makeup as well as the circumstances in your life. If you have other people in your family who are addicted to alcohol then your chances of becoming addicted are even greater. If you start drinking to escape from painful feelings or problems in your life addiction can be both psychological as well as physiological

If you are experiencing any of the signs of an addiction to alcohol help is available. An addiction to alcohol is powerful. It doesn't mean you are weak or lack self-control. It is a serious addiction which can completely overtake your life. If untreated the effects on your life your family and your physical and mental well-being can be significant. It is never too late to get help. There are many options but the first step is reaching out.