Alcoholism is defined as chronic drinking that interferes with one’s personal, family or professional life. It has been observed that occasional drinking is not likely to be harmful, but the danger is there. Alcohol can and is easily abused.

Alcoholism is caused by genetics, through childhood experiences and as a learned behavior. It is said that if children are raised around alcoholics then they learn this way of life and as an adult will usually carry on the tradition. Alcohol is additive, so doctors warn if there are cases of alcoholism that seems to run in the family to avoid alcohol.

Some alcoholics are not the drink every day alcoholic, they are what is known as binge drinkers, they drink and drink until they either pass out or have had their fill, and will not drink for a month to three months. Then they start the whole process over, this kind of drinking may not have the withdrawal symptoms as an every day drinker, but they mostly experience the within two to four days, sweating, nausea, vomiting and weakness.

Alcohol drank in mass quantities is not healthy for the body, not only may it cause cancer in the stomach, kidneys, and liver. But alcohol alters the digestion and metabolism of nutrients the body needs to stay healthy. Alcoholics are prone to sever thiamine deficiency; this has an effect of muscle cramps, muscle deteriating, nausea, and appetite loss, nerve disorders and depression. Many alcoholics are prone to deficiencies of folate, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and selenium. A vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, the deficiency of vitamin D, which works with calcium in the body will result in bone fractures.

Once a person is addicted to alcohol the only way to kick the habit is abstinence. There are many support groups that are essential for a recovering alcoholic. Alcoholism is a very hard and long road, but sobriety can be obtained and maintained.