Alcoholism

• Excessive alcohol use occurs when alcohol is consumed on an average of two or more drinks per day. Alcoholism occurs when a person becomes dependent on alcohol. The common signs for alcohol addiction include a consistent desire for alcohol, repeated or constant drinking throughout the day, and the inability to quit consuming alcohol. Abuse of alcohol can harm your health and also lead to death.
  
  

Intoxication

• Intoxication occurs when large amounts of alcohol are consumed and enter the bloodstream. Slurred speech, poor judgment, and vomiting can all result from intoxication. Women who drink while pregnant can also cause serious harm to developing fetuses.
  
  

Treatment for Addiction

• Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, help people fight addiction. Alcoholics Anonymous holds meetings all over the world and does not charge membership fees. The organization uses its "Twelve Steps" program to help members overcome addiction. Several types of oral medications, such as naltrexone, have been approved to treat alcohol addiction. The medicine must be prescribed by a doctor, and is used to help reduce alcohol cravings.