Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Dependencia del alcohol
Alcohol dependence
A disease in which a person craves alcohol, is unable to limit his or her drinking, needs to drink greater amounts to get the same effect, and has withdrawal symptoms after stopping alcohol use. Alcohol dependence affects physical and mental health, and causes problems with family, friends, and work. Also called alcoholism.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.