An alcoholic is a man or woman who has developed the disease of alcoholism. The alcoholic is one who drinks alcohol compulsively and without control. The alcoholic continues to drink alcohol regardless of the devastating effects to his health, relationships and position in society. Over an undetermined period of time, alcohol abuse results in physiological changes in the brain of the alcoholic, such as tolerance to alcohol and a physical dependence. These changes in the brain result in the alcoholic’s inability to stop drinking.
The alcoholic often times experiences severe and potentially life threatening withdrawal symptoms upon the discontinuation of alcohol consumption. Alcohol is potentially damaging to every organ in the human body including the brain. Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to any number of medical and psychiatric issues.
There has been much disagreement among professionals as it pertains to defining the alcoholic. Although still debated among professionals to this day, alcoholism is now widely believed to be a disease, which is progressive in nature. This means the destructiveness of the disease on the life of the alcoholic will increase as time and drinking go on.
Studies have shown the alcoholic will continue to drink after his life has been negatively affected to escape feelings of guilt, remorse and anxiety they experience when not under the influence of alcohol. The alcoholic feels he needs to drink just to feel normal.
