Use Volatile Solvent Dependence Volatile Nitrites Alcoholism Development of characteristic deviant behaviors associated with prolonged consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol. Alcoholism is considered a chronic illness of undetermined etiology, with an insidious onset and with recognizable symptoms and signs proportionate to its severity. Consumption of large amounts of ethanol usually causes significant clinical toxicity and tissue damage, physical dependence, and a dangerous withdrawal syndrome. The term alcoholism also refers to the social impairment in the lives of alcoholics and their families. Usually, both aspects of alcoholism are recognized simultaneously, but occasionally one predominates to the apparent exclusion of the other.
Ethanol is dangerous partly because it is weak.
A satisfactory dose is measured in glassfuls, not micrograms or milligrams. Repeated consumption exposes many cells to toxicity. An alcoholic is identified by severe dependence or addiction and a cumulative pattern of characteristic behaviors. Eventually, drunkenness may lead to failed relationships as well as job loss due to work absenteeism. Alcoholics may incur physical injury, be apprehended for driving while intoxicated, or be arrested for drunkenness.