What is alcoholism?
A person with alcoholism is addicted to alcohol. In the alcoholic patient, the addiction interferes with the person's relationships, family life, and occupation. Over time, the toxic effects of alcohol damage the brain, heart, liver, and nerves. Alcohol can cause scarring and irreversible damage to the liver, called alcoholic cirrhosis.

What are the symptoms of alcoholism?
Symptoms of alcoholism include alcohol craving, anxiety, inability to stop drinking, blackouts, loss of memory, anger, violence, insomnia, and paranoid behavior.

How does the doctor treat alcoholism?
Treatment for alcoholism requires the strict avoidance of alcohol, medications that suppress alcohol craving, alcoholism support groups, and psychological counseling.