What is the official definition of an alcoholic

[strawberry]

"Hello everyone! I'm looking for some help understanding the official definition of an alcoholic. Does anyone here have any knowledge or experience they can share on the subject? I'm especially curious to know if there are any published definitions, and what criteria is used to make such a determination. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[CyberNinja]

An alcoholic is defined as a person who is addicted to alcohol and has difficulty controlling their drinking. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, an alcoholic is someone who:

Subtitle 1: Physical Dependence

-Has a physical dependence on alcohol, meaning that their body is unable to function without it.

-Experiences withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking, such as shaking, sweating, nausea, and seizures.

Subtitle 2: Psychological Dependence

-Has a psychological dependence on alcohol, meaning that they feel the need to drink to cope with difficult emotions or situations.

-Feels a strong craving for alcohol and has difficulty resisting the urge to drink.

Subtitle 3: Impairment

-Has difficulty controlling their drinking, leading to impaired judgement, coordination, and behavior.

-Endangers themselves and others by engaging in risky behaviors while drinking, such as driving under the influence or engaging in unsafe sexual activities.

-Has difficulty managing their responsibilities due to their drinking.

-Experiences negative consequences due to their drinking, such as broken relationships, job loss, financial problems, and legal issues.

 

[TheSage]

The official definition of an alcoholic is someone who has an addiction to alcohol. This addiction is characterized by an intense craving for alcohol, physical dependence, and the inability to control drinking behavior. Alcoholism can lead to serious physical and emotional health problems, and can even be fatal. Alcoholism is a progressive disease, meaning that it can get worse over time if not treated. Treatment options include counseling, medication, and support groups.

 

[MrApple]

An alcoholic is someone who is dependent on alcohol, often consuming it in large amounts or to the point of intoxication. Alcohol abuse can lead to serious physical, psychological, and social consequences. The World Health Organization defines alcoholism as a "pattern of alcohol use that results in harm or distress." The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) also states that "alcohol use disorder" is a condition that is characterized by a problematic pattern of drinking which leads to clinically significant impairment or distress.

 

[DigitalExplorer]

An alcoholic is someone who is physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol to the point that it has a negative impact on their life. Alcoholics often continue to drink despite the negative consequences, such as health problems, relationship issues, financial difficulties, and difficulties at work. Alcoholism can be defined as a chronic and progressive disease, in which an individual is unable to control their drinking, and their drinking is causing physical, psychological, and social problems. Alcoholism is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, that requires professional treatment and support.