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What Is the Official Definition of Alcoholism?
The disease is often progressive and fatal."
Alcohol use disorderis considered a progressive disease, meaning that theeffects of drinking alcoholbecome increasingly more severe over time.
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Those who use alcohol may begin to show earlysigns of a problem.
Taking analcoholism screening quizcan help you determine whether you have the symptoms of an alcohol use disorder.
What Does Alcoholism Look Like?
Today, we know that the symptoms of alcoholism can vary from one person to the next.
These symptoms can include:
Physical Signs of Alcoholism
Alcohol use can have physical effects.
Some of the physical signs that can develop include:
What’s Technically Considered Alcoholism?
The DSM-5 lists 11 symptoms of alcohol use disorder.
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Is Alcoholism Genetic or Hereditary?
While the exact causes of alcoholism are not known, a number of factors can play a role.
The condition is likely the result of a combination of genetic, social, psychological, and environmental factors.
How Is Alcoholism Treated?
Treatment for alcoholism often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support.
Getting help before your problem drinking progresses to severe alcohol use disorder can keep your life.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Alcohol use disorder: A comparison between DSMIV and DSM5NIH Publication No.
Castillo-Carniglia A, Keyes KM, Hasin DS, Cerda M.Psychiatric comorbidities in alcohol use disorder.Lancet Psychiatry.
2019;6(12):1068-1080. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30222-6
Cleveland Clinic.Alcoholism: Management and treatment.
