What is alcohol dependence?

Alcohol dependence refers to either a psychological addiction to alcohol or a physical addiction to alcohol. It refers to an alcoholic or a person suffering from the illness of alcoholism.

Psychological alcohol dependence

Psychological alcohol dependence can refer to anyone suffering from marked cravings to use alcohol or who has developed a regular routine of alcohol use and who routinely places more importance on the use of alcohol than other important activities.

Physical alcohol dependence

Physical alcohol dependence occurs when someone suffers from alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as tremor and sweating when going without a drink for a period of time.

Alcohol dependence is an illness, and research indicates that alcohol dependence not only runs in families but does have a hereditary (genetic) component.

Alcohol dependence symptoms

Alcohol dependence symptoms include psychological dependency symptoms as well as physical alcoholism symptoms. Psychological alcohol dependence symptoms include prioritising alcohol use over other importance tasks, development of a regular drinking routine, and craving for alcohol. Physical Alcohol dependence includes alcoholism withdrawal symptoms, the development of tolerance to alcohol and the use of alcohol to relieve alcoholism withdrawal symptoms.

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