Alcoholism is a physical and psychological need for substances that contain alcohol. These include beer, wine, wine coolers, and distilled or hard liquor such as gin, vodka, scotch, bourbon, tequila, and rum. Once alcoholism develops, alcoholics need alcohol to feel well; when an alcoholic stops abusing alcohol, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms usually occur.

A Gradual Development

Alcoholism begins slowly. When people first start drinking alcohol they do not need alcohol in order to feel well. However, over time an individual’s need for alcohol grows until it controls his or her life.

This increasing need for alcohol occurs because alcohol contains ethanol, a powerful and slightly toxic chemical, which stimulates the brain to release large quantities of a natural substance known as dopamine. Dopamine produces feelings of pleasure, making drinkers feel relaxed, happy, and uninhibited. The brain reacts to such pleasurable feelings by trying...