It may also cause cell damage in many organs. Curiously, a strong tolerance for alcohol may predict the development of alcoholism later in life. One theory is that young men with a high early tolerance have a neurochemical deficiency that allows them to drink more alcohol before feeling its intoxicating effects. This way, the disease can sneak up on them before they realize what's happening. Studies show that children of alcoholics are much more prone to alcoholism, probably due to both nature and nurture, a combination of genetic factors, and the impact of growing up in an alcoholic home.
Alcoholics are three times as likely to be male as female.
An uncontrollable craving. An actual need for alcohol may seem unfathomable to someone who's not an alcoholic, but if you're alcoholic, you have a craving for alcohol similar to that of food and water. You may have good intentions, but once you start, you have to keep drinking. Needing a drink first thing in the morning is a sign of alcoholism. Drinking for one.