Last updated on:

01 Nov 2021 | 04:56 PM (IST)

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Alcohol addiction

Introduction

For most adults, moderate alcohol use is probably not harmful. However, alcoholism, or alcohol dependence, causes long-term problems such as:

1. Loss of control -- not being able to stop drinking once you have started

2. Physical dependence -- withdrawal symptoms

3. Tolerance -- the need to drink more alcohol to feel the same effect

4. Craving -- a strong need to drink

Another common problem is binge drinking. It is drinking about five or more drinks in 2 hours for men. For women, it is about four or more drinks in 2 hours.

Excessive intake of alcohol is dangerous and may:

1. Increase your risk of certain cancers

2. Damage your liver, brain, and other organs

3. Harm your baby during pregnancy

4. Increase the risk of death due to car crashes, injuries, homicide, and suicide.

If you want to stop drinking, you can choose to take medical help. Treatment may include medicines, counseling, and support groups.

NIH: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

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