A Sober Life

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, is a disease that includes the following four symptoms: Craving – A strong need, or urge, to drink. Loss of control- Not being able to stop drinking once drinking has begun. Physical dependence- Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety after stopping drinking. Tolerance-The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to get “high.”

In 2004, a study conducted by the United States Department of Health and Human Services found that upwards of eight million Americans were in need of alcohol treatment. Phrased less euphemistically, the study found that upwards of eight million Americans were alcoholics…which should if nothing else speak to the broad-based importance of alcohol treatment programs and alcohol treatment centers in the modern United States.