Defined in the medical community as “alcohol dependence syndrome,” alcoholism describes a number of behaviors in which an individual forms a psychological or physical dependence on alcohol. Binge drinking, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are three separate forms of alcoholism. Symptoms of alcoholism include an identifiable pattern of excessive or heavy drinking, regularly drinking to a high degree of intoxication, and drinking in unwarranted social, professional and personal situations. Treatment approaches depend on the severity of the addiction and whether or not physical dependence has developed, but are generally behaviorally based with a strong focus on cognitive-behavior aspects of psychology.
