A person suffering from alcoholism not only craves for drink but
is also unable to control his/her drinking and develops a
physical dependence on alcohol. The person may develop
withdrawal symptoms if drinks are denied and has a greater
tolerance for alcohol. Alcoholism occurs when the intake of
alcohol gradually changes the chemical balance in the brain,
especially dopamine (linked to pleasurable feelings) and
aminoacetic acid (which stops a person from becoming impulsive).
Since the levels of these chemicals are altered, a person
suffering from alcoholism craves for more and more alcohol to
feel good or ‘get a high’. Most alcoholics do not recognize
their problem and refuse to acknowledge it before entering
recovery.