Alcoholism
For most adults, moderate alcohol consumption is safe. However, approximately 17.6 million American adults are alcoholics or have alcohol problems. Alcoholism is a disease with four main features:
Craving: a strong urge to drink
Loss of control: inability to stop drinking once started
Physical dependence: withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating or shakiness after stopping drinking
Tolerance: the need to drink amounts of alcohol increased in order to feel the effect
Alcoholism carries many serious dangers. Heavy drinking can increase the risk of some cancers.
That can damage the liver, brain and other organs. May cause birth defects. Increased risk of death from traffic accidents and other injuries, and the risk of homicide and suicide.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Start here
Alcohol: What to do if it is a problem for you (American Academy of Family Physicians)
Also available in English