The disease is often progressive and fatal. It represents the sum of the abnormal phenomena displayed by a group of individuals. These phenomena are associated with a specified common set of characteristics by which these individuals differ from the norm, and which places them at a disadvantage. Alcoholism causes premature death through overdose, organic complications involving the brain, liver, heart and many other organs, and by contributing to suicide, homicide, motor vehicle crashes, and other traumatic events. The relative value thus assigned to alcohol by the individual often leads to a diversion of energies away from important life concerns.
Denial becomes an integral part of the disease and a major obstacle to recovery.