Alcoholism is a disease that is characterized by craving - a strong need, or compulsion, to drink - loss of control - the frequent inability to stop drinking once a person has begun - physical dependence - the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is stopped such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety - tolerance - ever increasing amounts of alcohol in order to get high - and blackouts - the inability to remember actions while intoxicated.

A further symtom that usually characterizes an active alcoholic are consequences and problems in their personal life as a result of improper behaviour. Usually the alcoholic has an inability to recognize his or her problems and is viewed by others as being in a state of denial.

It is common for the individual to believe that the problem lies outside of themselves. That belief is not true but denial masks reality and it can often be difficult for the alcoholic to accept it unless they reach a bottom.

These are cold hard facts but the path we take as alcoholics is not only progressive but also very human.

To read more about this path read The Beginning chapter from the book Eternal Sobriety. Click on the book to read. Then go here.