| alcoholism | <disease> A disorder characterised by pathological pattern of alcohol use that causes a serious impairment in social or occupational functioning. In DSN III R this is termed alcohol abuse or, if tolerance or withdrawal is present, alcohol dependence. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| acute alcoholism | A temporary deterioration in mental function, accompanied by muscular incoordination and paresis, induced by the rapid ingestion of alcoholic beverages. Synonym: intoxication. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| alpha alcoholism | Jellinek's term for a still controllable and strictly psychological dependence on alcohol, as to relieve emotional or physical pain, with resulting interference with interpersonal relationships. (05 Mar 2000) |
| beta alcoholism | Jellinek's term for the physical complaints associated with excessive use of alcohol, such as polyneuropathy, gastritis, and liver cirrhosis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| gamma alcoholism | Jellinek's term for a severe stage of alcoholism characterised by a progression from psychological to physiological dependence upon alcohol, including tissue dependence and withdrawal symptoms, with loss of control over alcohol intake and destructive effects on interpersonal relationships. (05 Mar 2000) |
| chronic alcoholism | A pathologic condition, affecting chiefly the nervous and gastroenteric systems, associated with impairment in social and occupational functioning, caused by the habitual use of alcoholic beverages in toxic amounts. See: gamma alcoholism. (05 Mar 2000) |
| delta alcoholism | Jellinek's term for an advanced form of gamma alcoholism in which the individual has lost the ability to abstain from partaking of alcohol even for a brief period. (05 Mar 2000) |
| epsilon alcoholism | Jellinek's term for "spree-drinking," such as might occur during periods away from home. (05 Mar 2000) |