There are alcohol abusers and there are alcoholics. Alcohol abuse is problem drinking which may result in health or social problems, or both. Chronic exposure to alcohol can result in the development of tolerance for and physical dependence on alcohol. Tolerance develops as a result of changes in alcohol's effect on the brain as well as an increased capacity of the body to reduce alcohol levels via metabolism. Alcohol dependence is alcoholism.
Physiological dependence is manifested by the development of withdrawal symptoms.
Role of Genetics Research has shown that the interaction of genetic and environmental factors determines vulnerability to alcoholism. However, the mode of inheritance still remains unclear. This suggests that various typologies of alcoholism may exist. While the above findings are relatively new, alcoholism and alcohol treatments have been around for a long time. Eleven models of alcoholism have developed over time, and treatment is based on the treatment facility's model and particular philosophy.