Changes

'''Alcoholism''' refers to [[addiction]] to [[Alcoholic Drinks|alcoholic beverages]].  The medical term used to refer to alcoholism is ''alcohol dependence''.  A person can be diagnosed with alcohol dependence if at least three of these criteria occur during the same 12-month span:  (a) tolerance (i.e., more alcohol is needed to produce the same effect); (b) alcohol withdrawal; (c) alcohol is used in larger amounts or over longer periods than intended (i.e., loss of control); (d) chronic desire or unsuccessful attempts to reduce drinking; (e) a great deal of time is spent obtaining or using alcohol; (f) other activities are reduced in order to use or recover from using alcohol; (g) drinking continues despite persistent problems that it either causes or makes worse.<ref>American Psychiatric Association (1994).  ''Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders'', Fourth Edition.  APA, Washington, D.C.</ref>

'''Alcoholism''' refers to [[addiction]] to [[Alcoholic Drinks|alcoholic beverages]].  The medical term used to refer to alcoholism is ''alcohol dependence''.  A person can be diagnosed with alcohol dependence if at least three of these criteria occur during the same 12-month span:  (a) tolerance (i.e., more alcohol is needed to produce the same effect); (b) alcohol withdrawal; (c) alcohol is used in larger amounts or over longer periods than intended (i.e., loss of control); (d) chronic desire or unsuccessful attempts to reduce drinking; (e) a great deal of time is spent obtaining or using alcohol; (f) other activities are reduced in order to use or recover from using alcohol; (g) drinking continues despite persistent problems that it either causes or makes worse.<ref>American Psychiatric Association (1994).  ''Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders'', Fourth Edition.  APA, Washington, D.C.</ref>

As with any [[addiction]], both affirmative and defensive approaches can be helpful to overcome it.  Developing healthy hobbies, particularly ones that actively use the mind such as writing, [[chess]]-playing, [[Bible]]-reading, and debate, can drive out the unhealthy habit of drinking alcohol.

As with any [[addiction]], both affirmative and defensive approaches can be helpful to overcome it.  Developing healthy hobbies, particularly ones that actively use the mind such as writing, [[chess]]-playing, [[Bible]]-reading, and debate, can drive out the unhealthy habit of drinking alcohol.