2007-02-18 03:55:20 · 11 answers · asked by susan_112147 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Basically, someone who can't control their drinking (i.e. every time they drink they have to get drunk, they don't stop until the bar closes, the bottle runs dry, or they pass out).
Contrary to a few above comments, one can be an alcoholic without drinking every day--often referred to as "binge-drinking."
2007-02-18 04:04:09 · answer #1 · answered by Col. Forbin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An alcoholic is a person with the disease alcoholism.
Alcoholism, which is also known as "alcohol dependence syndrome," is a disease that is characterized by the following elements:
* 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, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking. These symptoms are usually relieved by drinking alcohol or by taking another sedative drug.
* Tolerance: The need for increasing amounts of alcohol in order to get "high."
Alcoholism has little to do with what kind of alcohol one drinks, how long one has been drinking, or even exactly how much alcohol one consumes. But it has a great deal to do with a person's uncontrollable need for alcohol.
There's a lot more on what alcoholism is at http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/homework/a/blwhatis1.htm.
Please don't pay attention to the people who have posted flip, ignorant answers. Alcoholism is a serious disease.
2007-02-18 03:59:30 · answer #2 · answered by TeriR 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Someone who is addicted to drinking alcohol. Alcoholics consume large amounts of liqour on a daily basis. They develop a tolerance for it which means that although they ARE drunk, they don't always appear drunk.
They frequently hide booze around the house so other members of the family don't always realise there is a problem.
Like many types of addicts, their whole like revolves around getting the next drink and the other apsects of their lives usually suffer as a result. Alcoholics can also be highly emotional, violent or prone to depression. The most common physical damage from alcoholism is cirrhosis of the liver - liver damage which can eventually prove fatal.
2007-02-18 03:58:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think TeriR has covered everything concerning alcoholic. I would just add that people who suffer from this problem can make their and their family's life miserable. My father is an alcoholic and he turned our lives to a hell... When he is drunk he cannot control his actions or his words...
God help!
2007-02-18 04:09:21 · answer #4 · answered by Nicole 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no easy answer to that question. A person could drink a fair bit, and still not be one.
How about this answer:
Someone who can't stop drinking even though they may want to.
When drinking is a destuctive force in your life (relationships, work, general health etc.)
2007-02-18 03:59:30 · answer #5 · answered by Zezo Zeze Zadfrack 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Anyone who can't stop drinking alcohol.
2007-02-18 04:02:18 · answer #6 · answered by Kacky 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thankfully I am not an alcoholic,I am just a dipsomaniac.
2007-02-18 04:19:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
soemone who drinks alot every day
2007-02-18 03:58:28 · answer #8 · answered by Dr Universe 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
a dush bag
2007-02-18 03:57:58 · answer #9 · answered by ( Put Name Here ) 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
a sot
2007-02-18 03:58:43 · answer #10 · answered by booge 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋