Criteria for Alcoholism

Anyone can engage in alcohol abuse, which simply means drinking to excess. Formal alcoholism entails a much wider range of behaviors associated with drinking, which form the criteria defining the condition. Alcoholism usually arises from a number of different factors, including psychological trauma, stress and biological inclination. The symptoms of alcoholism are unmistakable, however, and the friends and family of the alcoholic usually tend to notice it before the alcoholic does.

Craving

• The biggest criteria in defining alcoholism is the pure addiction to drinking. Alcoholics possess a compulsive need to drink, which they cannot control through simple willpower. Over time, alcohol abuse creates biochemical changes in the brain, upping dopamine levels and requiring a steady amount of drinking just to feel "normal."

Tolerance

• Alcoholics build up a considerable tolerance for drinking over time. They can swallow drinks in single gulps and often down double or triple shots the way others might down a single shot. It takes more and more alcohol to get them to feel normal and when they don't receive alcohol at expected times, they become snappish and irritable.

Lack of Control

• Alcoholics cannot stop drinking once they start. One beer leads to two, then to four, then to six, until they are hopelessly intoxicated. Such heavy drinking may also involve periods of "blacking out," in which the alcoholic has no memory of time passing and no knowledge of the things he's said or done.

Withdrawal Effects

• Because alcoholism entails a physical addiction, the alcoholic may experience withdrawal symptoms if he goes an extended period without drinking. He may develop a case of the shakes, sweat copiously, experience nausea and vomiting, and even show signs of dementia if his alcoholism is acute enough. Recovering alcoholics undergoing withdrawal must be monitored by medical professionals to ensure that such symptoms remain in check.

Secrecy

• Alcoholism often involves drinking in secret: finding places alone where no one else can bother the alcoholic and imbibing as he pleases. He will often hide alcohol in unusual places--such as his car or bathroom--for these purposes, as well as developing elaborate lies to keep others from finding out about his habit.

Personal and Professional Life

• The other criteria for alcoholism create ripple effects that can have a devastating impact on the alcoholic's family and work situation. His quality of work may suffer, he may miss deadlines, and he might start arriving at work late (or even not show up at all). Home life may be marked by increasing arguments, evasion, emotional distance from loved ones, and even violence in the worst cases. The fallout from such incidences are often what prompts alcoholics to acknowledge their condition and seek help.