Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, is a disease that causes a person to be so physiologically dependent on alcohol that this dependence interferes with work, relationships or school. An alcoholic has impaired control over drinking, drinks compulsively, is preoccupied with drinking, has a high tolerance of alcohol and exhibits withdrawal symptoms without alcohol.

Alcohol abuse, a less extreme problem, does not include a very strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking or physical dependence, but it can be just as devastating to your life and health.

Close to 18 million people in the United States abuse alcohol, according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. More than 100,000 Americans die of alcohol-related causes every year - many involving traffic fatalities. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse can also be factors in violent crimes, teen pregnancies and date rape.

Short-term physical effects of alcohol use include:

• Distorted vision, hearing and coordination
• Altered perceptions and emotions
• Impaired judgment
• Hangovers

Long-term physical effects of heavy alcohol use include:

• Loss of appetite
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Esophagus/Stomach ailments
• Pancreatitis
• Liver cancer
• Skin problems
• Sexual impotence
• Liver damage
• Central/peripheral nervous system damage
• Memory loss
• Anemia
• Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy (Heart Failure)
• Damage to unborn children (including birth defects, mental retardation, learning problems and fetal alcohol syndrome.
• Psychological and interpersonal problems, including impaired thinking and judgment, changes in mood and behavior, child abuse, impaired social relationships, and marital, scholastic, job-related, legal, and financial problems.

Prognosis

Most people with alcohol problems have trouble coming to terms with the illness. The sooner they do, the better the chances for recovery. Recovery takes hard work, commitment, help and honesty. If you think you have a problem, contact your doctor or health care provider. You can also check your local phone directory under "Alcoholism" for an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) organization or other support group or treatment program in your area.

Although there is no cure, alcohol dependence can be managed and treated. Even after a lengthy period of sobriety, however, there is always the chance of relapse. If you are a problem drinker (but not an alcoholic), cutting down on your drinking is a good goal and has worked for many people. If you are dependent on alcohol, however, the only safe goal for your drinking is to quit completely.

Occasional relapses are common during the first stages of recovery. This does not mean you have failed. Most drinkers need to try multiple times to quit. This is why you must have a support system in place -- your family, a support group or friends. You need to keep making efforts to change.