Keeping alcohol in unlikely places at home, at work or in the car. Having problems with relationships, employment or finances or legal problems. Economic costs of alcohol and drug abuse in the United States, 1992. Economic costs to society of alcohol abuse and alcoholism, United States, 1983. Costs to society of alcohol abuse, other drug abuse, and mental illness, United States, 1980.
Alcoholism is a type of drug dependence.
There is both physical and psychological dependence with this addiction. Physical dependence reveals itself in withdrawal symptoms when alcohol intake is interrupted, tolerance to the effects of alcohol, and evidence of alcohol-associated illnesses. Alcohol affects the central nervous system as a depressant resulting in a decrease of activity, anxiety , tension , and inhibitions. Even a low level of alcohol within the body slows reactions. Concentration and judgment become impaired.