Alcohol Addiction, or alcohol use disorder, is a brain disease characterized by the inability to stop drinking regardless of the negative social, behavioral, or health consequences. The amount of drinking can vary from person to person. Some people drink heavily all day, while others binge drink and then stay sober for a while. The unifying factor is someone who relies heavily on drinking and can’t stay sober for an extended period of time.
While researchers have tried to narrow down the causes of the disease, there are a wide array of behavioral and psychological factors that can contribute to developing an alcohol addiction. Alcoholism is a very real debilitating disease that causes changes to the brain and neurochemistry, so an addict may not be able to control their actions. It is progressive and fatal, if left untreated.