Alcoholism is a chronic illness characterized by the habitual consumption of alcohol. Some alcoholics drink daily. Others drink less often, but the drinking becomes out of control. This is done to the degree that it interferes with physical or mental health, or with normal social or work behavior. It produces both physical and psychological addiction. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that reduces anxiety, inhibition, and feelings of guilt. It lowers alertness, impairs perception, judgment, and motor coordination. In high doses, it can cause loss of consciousness and even death. Chronic alcoholism damages the brain, liver, heart, and other organs.

Many people wonder what causes alcoholism. No one can become an alcoholic if they do not drink alcohol. For people who do choose to drink alcohol, some seem to be able to drink without problems, while others do not. One thing we do know, is that alcoholism is a disease. What this means is:
* There are certain signs and symptoms that are the same for every alcoholic.
* There are certain "stages" that each alcoholic will go through if the disease is not treated.
* Alcoholism is chronic, or that it won't go away on it's own.
* Without treatment, alcoholism can cause death.
* Alcoholism can be treated.

We can think of alcoholism like we think of other diseases. Some people are more at risk for the disease. People with the disease didn't cause it to happen. They can learn ways to live with the disease and take care of themselves. Like in some diseases, if the person refuses treatment, their disease will get worse, and they may even die.

Risk factors for alcoholism include:
* a family member who is alcoholic,
* a history of other substance abuse,
* depression, or
* post-traumatic stress syndrome.

Research has shown that alcoholics may not be able to process alcohol in the way other people can. We may never completely understand what causes alcoholism. We know there is treatment for alcoholism. If an alcoholic decides to get treatment, he or she has a very good chance of living a long and healthy life. To find out more about alcoholism and treatment, contact the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at(800) NCA-CALL, your school nurse or counselor, or work site nurse or Employee Assistance Program, or Alcoholic Anonymous in the white pages of your phone book.

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