Also known as alcohol dependence, use, misuse, abuse, and heavy use, alcohol addiction is indicated when a person manifests at least three of the following signs:

• A tolerance for alcohol i.e. requiring increased amounts to achieve the same effect

• In attempting to acquire alcohol spending a great deal of time

• Symptoms of withdrawal

• Having a persistent desire to decrease or the inability to decrease the amount of alcohol consumed

• Even after knowing that there are reoccurring psychological or physical problems being caused by the alcohol continuing to use alcohol

• Taking alcohol in larger amounts that was intended or over a longer period of time than was intended

Alcohol Withdrawal:

Alcohol withdrawal significantly differs from withdrawal from other drugs in that it can be directly lethal. Although a heroin addict, for example, can die from other health problems made worse by the strain of withdrawal, an alcohol addict who is otherwise healthy can die from the direct effects of withdrawal if it is not appropriately managed. The production of GABA is reduced in individuals who heavy consume alcohol. GABA is a neuroinhibitor. A condition where neither alcohol nor GABA exists in adequate quantity in the system, causing uncontrolled firing of the synapses, may likely be experienced if a heavy drinker suddenly stops alcohol consumption. This condition reveals itself as:

• Possible heart failure

• Hallucinations

• Seizures

• Shakes

• Convulsions

All of the above are collectively referred to as delirium tremens.