Alcoholism is progressive. It will not get better with time and it will not go away. It gets progressively worse and an alcoholic can relapse with only a single drink even after an extended period of sobriety. Alcoholism is incurable. A complete abstinence from alcoholic consumption.
Alcoholism results in loss of control.
The alcohol controls the alcoholic - not vice versa. In the past alcoholism carried a tremendous public and social stigma. This was a barrier to many people who needed to seek help but was fearful of employment, family or social retribution. This stigma has lessened greatly due to the increased awareness diseases need professional treatment to be overcome. The more aware the public is, the more apparent that alcoholism affects all walks of life at all ages.