Alcohol addiction is a chronic substance abuse disorder characterized by repeated and excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages.

The addiction can lead to poor health and can interfere with social, economic and personal functioning.

Although the exact prevalence of alcoholism is unknown, conservative estimates indicate up to 10% of the adult population may have problems with alcohol dependence. The vast majority of those with alcohol addiction do not fit the stereotype of the drunken bum on skid row, but rather are ordinary people who constitute a wide cross-section of society.

Seventy-five per cent of individuals with alcohol dependence do not receive appropriate treatment for the disorder. Yet alcoholism can be a treatable medical and psychiatric disorder.

Alcohol is a toxic drug that is harmful to all body tissues. Excess use can affect the nervous system, brain, liver, kidneys, heart and digestive system. Liver damage and cirrhosis is the most common cause of excess prolonged drinking. Intellectual impairment can occur in the early stages of the diseases and later permanent and disabling brain damage can occur. Digestive disturbances, such as esophageal and peptic ulcers can also occur, as can heart disease, stroke and hypertension.

Habitual drinking can interfere with proper immune function and lead to frequent infections. Excess alcohol intake can also cause sexual........

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