Alcoholism is defined in a number of ways but all these definitions all point to the abuse of alcohol. There is one definition that is forwarded by the Journal of American Medical Association that states that this alcoholism is a primary and a chronic disease that is usually characterized by the impaired control over drinking activities, preoccupation with alcohol and the use of the alcohol despite the consequences that can be delivered by it and the distortions that happens in the thinking of one individual.

Another definition of alcoholism defines this as the repeated use of alcohol even with the recurring of consequences. And the dependence on alcohol is defined as alcohol abuse that is usually combined with the tolerance, the withdrawal and the urge to drink.

Based on the provided definitions of alcoholism, it is an accepted fact that the use of alcohol is needed in order to develop alcoholism. But this doesn't mean that once a person drinks alcohol, that person will ultimately develop alcohol dependence.

There are a number of factors at work that enables this condition to be present on person and in fact these factors may affect the person in varying degrees. Some of these factors that have a say if a person will develop this condition include the social environment of the person, his emotional health and genes play a role as well.

Treatment for Alcoholism

The treatment that is used to counter alcoholism differs and a number of treatments are available as well. The choice on which treatment to use is dependent as well on how the condition is approach. The choice of treatment may be different to those who see alcoholism as a medical condition and different for those who see alcoholism as a social choice. These treatment are numerous and varied but they all share some general similarities. All these treatments call for a person to stop the use and the abuse of alcohol and this is then followed by training and a support that will help the patient to return to a life of alcoholism.

One popular treatment is detoxification and this treatment calls for a stop in the intake of alcohol. Often this treatment calls for a substitution of drugs. This kind of treatment may treat the physical effects of alcoholism but this doesn't treat the condition. Another kind of treatment is called group therapy or the psychotherapy. The popular Alcoholics Anonymous is a popular example of a group therapy under this method. Often this is resorted to after the person has stopped drinking alcohol.

Medications are also used in order to treat this condition. Some of the medications that are used are the Antabuse or the disulfiram and this medicine ensures that acetaldehyde will not be eliminated from the body.The Naltrexone is another medication and this is a competitive antagonist for the opioid receptors. This medication is used in two different ways. The first one is used to decrease the cravings for alcohol and the second one is used to reverse endorphin conditioning. Two other medications that are used to address this condition are the Acamprosate or the Campral and the Topiramate.