Few other illnesses account for as many side effects as alcoholism. Although neither alcohol nor drinking are in themselves a disease, addiction to drinking - or alcoholism, can be directly attributed to many of the social and health problems listed above.
Alcoholism advances in stages.
The first warning sign is heavy social drinking. Increasing physical and psychological dependence follows and is a step away from descent into a hell where only the next drink counts and can deliver relief. For alcoholics, all is secondary to the first drink of the day. Self-esteem and personal dignity evaporate and work performance suffers. The ride is downhill all the way.