Alcohol dependence

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Alcohol dependence

Alcohol dependence occurs when a person has a physical or emotional dependence on the use of alcohol that leads to significant impairment or distress.

A person is diagnosed as being alcohol-dependent if at least three of the following are true. The person:

Needs larger amounts of alcohol to feel its effects (tolerance).
Has withdrawal symptoms (such as shakiness, confusion, or agitation) when he or she does not drink alcohol, or continues to drink alcohol to avoid these symptoms.
Drinks alcohol in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than intended.
Constantly thinks about or tries to cut down on or control drinking but is not successful.
Spends a great deal of time trying to get alcohol, using it, or recovering from its effects.
Avoids important activities because of alcohol use.
Continues to drink even though it causes or makes worse another health condition (such as an ulcer), or causes legal or work problems.

Treatment for alcohol dependence includes education and support to stop drinking, medicines to reduce withdrawal symptoms and stop alcohol cravings, and professional counseling to work through relationship issues.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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