Alcoholism, also known as "alcohol dependence," is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as losing a job or getting into trouble with the law. It is characterized by the following four elements: Craving -- A strong need, or compulsion, to drink, Impaired control -- The inability to limit one's drinking on any given occasion, Physical dependence -- Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking, Tolerance -- The need for increasing amounts of alcohol to feel its effects. This description gives a better understanding of why people can't just use "will power" to control their addiction. Cravings can be as intense as the need for food.
             In the United States, alcoholism is the most widespread form of drug abuse, affecting at least 5 million people. About one third of high school students in the United States are said to be problem drinkers. Some may already be alcoholics. A survey of more than 4,000 high school seniors found that in the preceding year approximately 80% reported either "getting drunk, binge drinking or drinking and driving. Drinking alcohol (wine coolers, beer and liquor) during childhood or the teen years can prevent them from learning and growing normally.
             Alcohol penetrates all ages, educational, occupational, and socioeconomical boundaries. Each year it is estimated that ten percent of all deaths are related to alcohol abuse. An astonishing fifty percent of all major automobile accidents and murders are associated with alcohol. The estimates of annual number of deaths related to excessive drinking exceed 97,000 in the United States alone. The life span of an alcoholic is about ten years shorter than a non-drinker. The lifetime prevalence for alcoholism in the United States is as high as fourteen percent. Statistics point to the enormous dangers of alcohol, y...