Origin: Greek suffix -ism
Alcoholism has 3 different meanings across 1 category:
habitual intoxication; prolonged and excessive intake of alcoholic drinks leading to a breakdown in health and an addiction to alcohol such that abrupt deprivation leads to severe withdrawal symptoms
"After years of battling his alcoholism, he finally checked into rehab where doctors monitored him closely during the dangerous detox period."
an intense persistent desire to drink alcoholic beverages to excess
"His inability to stop drinking despite his health warnings showed just how severe his alcoholism had become."
A chronic disease caused by compulsive and uncontrollable consumption of alcoholic beverages, leading to addiction and deterioration in health and social functioning.
"After years of drinking daily despite losing his job and damaging relationships, John finally admitted that he was suffering from alcoholism."