Definition

Alcoholism is the popular term for two disorders: alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. The key element of these disorders is that a person's use of alcohol has repeatedly caused problems in his or her life. Alcoholism has serious consequences on a person's health and personal life, on family and friends, and on society at large.

Description

The effects of alcoholism on the body are quite far-reaching. Alcohol abuse can result in poor nutrition, memory disorders, difficulty with walking and balance, liver disease, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, heart problems, anemia (a blood disorder that causes weakness and fatigue; see anemias entry), problems with blood clotting, low resistance to infections, disorders of the digestive system, problems with the pancreas, low blood sugar, high blood fat content, reduced sexual abilities, reproductive problems, and weak bones.

Alcoholism can also lead to a number of personal problems, including depression, unemployment, family...