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According to the medical community, alcoholism is a disease and/or addiction to the consumption of alcohol, and an inability to recognize the disabling effects of excessive alcohol consumption. An individual suffering from alcoholism has a dependence on alcohol, and may suffer severe withdrawal symptoms whilst he or she is not intoxicated.

Individuals may have a predisposition toward developing alcoholism through genetics, while others may simply develop the disease through improper judgment or extenuating personal circumstances. Regardless, the misuse of alcohol will result in dangerous health complications, such as cirrhosis of the liver, heart disease, dementia, deficiencies of nutrition, and may eventually lead to death.

Other dangers associated with alcoholism are the social repercussions that may arise from continual intoxication. Addicts may lose their job, leading toward financial difficulties, and in some extreme cases, alcoholics may become violent or physically aggressive toward friends and family members. This can result in criminal charges and jail time, and in many cases has led to the breakup of families and marital conflicts or divorce. Domestic violence stemming from alcohol abuse may result in psychological trauma for children, which can affect their emotional and mental development into adulthood.

It is not recommended for an alcoholic to attempt to cure his or her self, instead he should seek the shelter of a local hospital, clinic, or a community social group that can offer support. Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol can be extremely severe, inducing hallucinations, seizures or shaking, and even heart failure. A detoxification program is absolutely vital in order to ensure a healthy, medically safe and gradual withdrawal from alcohol use.

It is also extremely important that alcoholics receive counseling or group therapy during this process, as the majority of alcohol abusers have multiple life circumstances that led them to their addiction in the first place. These must be addressed fully in order to avoid a relapse in the future. There are many social programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous that will offer a safe and welcoming community of support, though this kind of treatment can only be effective if the addict actually wants to receive help.