Alcohol dependence
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Alcohol dependency is a condition that is marked by an overpowering urge to drink alcohol. It’s more common in people who have anxiety, depression or a lot of stress in their lives.
About alcohol dependence
Alcohol is an addictive drug and although many people drink safely, you can become psychologically and physically dependent on it. In the UK, around nine in 100 men and four in 100 women show signs of being dependent on alcohol.
Alcohol dependence – or ‘alcohol dependence syndrome’ (formerly known as alcoholism) – is a pattern of routinely drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over a long period of time, and giving priority to drinking over other activities and obligations in your life. It can cause or worsen psychological and physical health problems and can seriously affect your relationships with family and friends. It can also affect your job, or result in drinking-related offences.
Symptoms of alcohol dependence
The main symptom of alcohol dependence is having an overpo...
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