# alcoholism

/ˈæɫkəˌhɔˌɫɪzəm/ (US) · /ˈælkəhˌəʊlɪzəm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alcoholism
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. addiction to alcohol

noun · CEFR B2

a disease where someone is addicted to alcohol and cannot control how much they drink.

For teachers: a chronic disorder involving a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol, often resulting in health and social deterioration.

- He sought help from a support group to recover from his alcoholism.
- The clinic specialises in treating alcoholism through a combination of medical detoxification and long-term psychological support.

Usage: This noun is uncountable and does not take a plural form.

Teaching tip: While 'alcoholism' is the standard term, modern medical contexts often prefer 'alcohol use disorder' (AUD) for a more clinical description.

### 2. alcohol poisoning

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

a dangerous condition caused by drinking too much alcohol in a very short time.

For teachers: the physiological state of acute alcohol poisoning resulting from excessive intake over a short duration.

- The student was rushed to the hospital suffering from acute alcoholism after the party.
- The emergency room physician noted that the patient's symptoms were consistent with acute alcoholism rather than a chronic condition.

Usage: Usually appears with the adjective 'acute' to distinguish it from the chronic disease.

Teaching tip: This sense is rare in everyday English; most people use 'alcohol poisoning' for this specific situation.

## Examples

- Alcoholism can affect anyone, regardless of age.
- His alcoholism made it difficult for him to keep his job and maintain healthy relationships.
- The documentary explores the complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental triggers in the development of alcoholism.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.